The document discusses Laura Mulvey's concept of the "male gaze" in film theory. Mulvey argues that films typically present the perspective of a heterosexual male viewer who objectifies female characters. This relegates women to the status of objects and viewers must identify with the male perspective. The male gaze lingers on women's bodies and defines events through a man's reaction. While some argue that women can enjoy being looked at, the male gaze implies a power dynamic that reduces women to objects of the sexualized male view.