The Male Gaze- Theory by Laura Mulvey

Laura Mulvey was a theorist who introduced the theory known to be called 'The Male Gaze'. This is when in films, TV and media in general, audiences are given the view of women characters through the perspective of heterosexual males. Furthermore, the camera will focus on the curves of the female body, and shows how the men react to these events. This feature can be interpreted as relegating women to the status of an object. Viewers that are female have to witness the narrative second hand, through the eyes of a male, this makes people think that this is all sexist towards women. In addition this shows men's dominance over women, and how men are in control. Here are some images from films where this theory is put to use:



Another idea of this theory is all about visual pleasure. Women are focused on in the films to reveal their beauty and features, to satisfy the audience and narrative in a sexual way. The audience see the women as an object and see her sexuality, but the audience like this and expect it. A good example of this is in perfume/aftershave adverts. These types of adverts on TV will always feature a woman provocatively dresses attracted to the man with the perfume, and this is what the viewers experience and believe. The woman's features will be easily seen and will be focused on. This encourages people to buy the products when they see this kind of material. The poster for Dior's j'adore perfume for women is a prime example of this; women want to be like this woman below and so they buy the perfume to satisfy themselves.