The male gaze theory

1. LUARA MULVEY
THE MALE GAZE THEORY

2.  Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema was an essay written by Laura Mulvey, from
which the theory originates.
 An essay which coined the term “Male Gaze” which soon went on to become a
very
 well know and discussed theory
 In film, the male gaze occurs when the audience is put into the perspective of a
heterosexual man. A scene may focus on the curves of a woman's body, putting
you the viewer in the eyes of a male.
 According to the male gaze theory these ‘Curves’ are highlighted with specific
conventions; Sow motion, Camera Movement etc.

3.  The theory suggests that the male gaze denies women human identity,
relegating them to the status of objects to be admired for physical appearance.
 The theory suggests woman can more often than not only watch a film from a
secondary perspective and only view themselves from a mans perspective.
 Females are often relegated to stereotypes like the ‘Dumb Hot One’ or often
portrayed as the victim.
 Often a female character has no real importance herself, it is how she makes
the male feel or act that is the importance.
 The female only exist in relation to the male

4. Mulvey states that the role of a female character in a narrative has two
1.As an erotic object for the characters within the narrative to view
2.As an erotic object for the spectators within the cinema to view

5. The characters that look at others are seen as the active role (male)
The characters that are to be looked at are passive (female) They are
under control of the males gaze and only exist for visual pleasure.
Females often slow the narrative down, they act as inspiration for
men to act.
Males on the other hand, push the narrative forwards and make
things happen and are seen as active

6.  Women are often treated as objectified characters are devalued and their
humanity removed.
 Animation, comedy, drama, heimat, and romance were considered “female”
genres,
 action, adventure, erotic, fantasy, history, horror, science fiction, thriller, war, and
Western were considered “male” genres.
 Females are usually shown with domestic work or as housewives, with them
mostly being easy and timid.
 Men are shown doing hard tasks, as independent. With them mostly being
confident and brave.

7. The bond films are notorious for sexualizing females and using them
only as a reward for the protagonist at the end of his quest.
In this scene the first time the character of ‘jinx’ is shown she is a bathing suit and the
entire focus is shifted on her looks. Bond even says “ Magnificent View” referring to
‘jinx’ instead of the landscape.