Keyword: Gaze Storymap

The word gaze can be holistically defined as "looking steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought." (Oxford Languages) However, when put into a deeper context, people tend to alter others to satisfy what they hope to "gaze" at.

Moreover, "gaze is concerned with how gendered, raced, eroticized, and controlled bodies become visible within media and other texts, and how individuals look at, identify with, and are constructed by visual representations." (White, 2017)

• Women are usually clothed in a more sexualized way.
• The camera may be told to focus more directly on parts of a woman's body.
• Women are portrayed as particularly weak and defenseless.
• Tends to objectify women.
• They are usually made to match up with society's body standards.

• Artistic.
• Tends to showcase more emotions.
• Puts men and women on equal footing.
• Lacks objectification.

As shown in this movie poster, the name of this film alone tells a lot about the audience it is catered towards. Secondly, both Monroe and Russell are extremely sexualized in this image to the point where it is drawn. Their real bodies weren't "perfect" enough to grab the amount of attention needed. If a closer look is taken at how the women are positioned, clothed, and genuinely depicted it is clear that this becomes an example of the "male gaze". Ultimately, the bodies are drawn to be exactly the same, when in reality they have their differences. This poster openly aligns both Monroe and Russell with society's body standards.

Unfortunately, Monroe became one of the actresses to become the most subjected towards the "male gaze" of her time. In this still from the film The Seven Year Itch, I feel as though the male character present in the scene acts as a representation of the male audience and film crew that helps bring these movies to life. While Monroe sits innocently looking around in small clothing, all her costar can do is admire her.

Needless to say, the James Bond franchise provides a strong example of the "male gaze". Time and time again, the white male hero spy, 007, works to save lives by taking on dangerous missions, utilizing his gadgets, and executing fighting skills. No matter which movie, Bond almost always has a female counterpart that he is dating at the time and will most likely have to save. The women in the bond movies are meant to fit directly into societal standards and are set to satisfy the "male gaze."

Although it is now 2021, the Bond movies have created no exception to how they portray their female characters. In this scene taken from the latest film in the franchise, Bond meets Paloma. By the way she is dressed and told to act by scripts, it becomes very clear that she is a character meant for the "male gaze".

Clueless earns itself the title of an example of the "female gaze" because it portrays a confident young girl that gets to control how men treat her based off what she wants and not their own agendas. The film also features a variety of stylish outfits, but not in a sexualized manor. Cher wears what she desires and what will make her feel her best.

Little Women is catered towards the "female gaze" because it follows the lives of a strong predominantly female-dominated family. Two of the sisters in particular, Amy and Jo, aid in raising questions about the treatment of women during that time period.

Jo is an aspiring writer hoping to get some of her work published. However when she meets with an editor he exclaims,

“If the main character is a girl, make sure she’s married by the end. Or dead, either way.”

Jo later responds to that idea by saying,

“I don’t believe I will ever marry. I’m happy as I am. And I love my liberty too well to be in any hurry to give it up.”

Although it's against the general norms of the time, Jo is happy to live her life freely.

Similarly, Amy discusses the hardships of the limited opportunities for women and describes marriage as an "economic proposition."

This film helps us to reflect on how much times have really changed, but also what women were forced to endure for so long. However, even now, there is still work that needs to be done.

The image above portrays how a gaze can shift depending on who is directing/creating a film. The reason that so many films nowadays feature the "male gaze" is because Hollywood has become a male-dominated place. However, during the rare opportunity that a female gets to run the show, the "female gaze" becomes more prominent. The first picture to the left showcases Harley Quinn's highly sexualized look in the first film that was directed by a man. As the outfits become more normal and comfortable for the character, it is apparent that the female director had taken over by then.

As shown through, both the female and male gaze are alive and well in the media industry. This raises questions as to whether things will ever change. However, only time will be able to tell what comes next.