Feminist Film Theory

Visual Pleasures

What is the male gaze?

When audiences are put into a heterosexual mans perspective. I.e what a man wants to see in the female. E.g. the curves of
a womans body.
Editing techniques such as highlight the curves and using generic slow motion shots of womans curve. It also denies the

female character any positive representation and is only used for sexual appeal among male audiences. Female
audiences therefore can only view a secondary perspective from males.
Can you name any films where you think the male gaze can be applied?

Transformers: Uses slow pans of womans curve. The female is initially represented as being.
Fast and Furious, Mission impossible.

What are the three elements that make up the Bechdel test?
This test determines the level of female independency.
1. The movie comprises of two female characters minimum, who talk to
each other and about subjects other than men.

What does ideology mean?

System of beliefs.
E.g. politicians: capitalist society.

What is a hegemonic ideology?

Ruling of dominant ideology.

E.g. political ideaology capatilist.
The use of the male gaze reflects how women should see from mens perspective.

What is a patriarchal society?

Patriarchy society is where men dictate the rules and are dominant over
women. They represent ideal visions and roles.
Audiences can watch this and become engraved with the idea.

What is Scopophlia?

The love of watching.

Audiences love the idea of watching people who do not know they are being watched.
Vouerism: watching someone who doesnt know they are being watched.
Objectified:
Women being sexualised as a pleasurable object for male appeal. Not being

Patriarchy society is where men dictate the rules and are dominant over women.
They represent ideal visions and roles.

Is Ripley a strong feminist character?

For
Able to defend herself with a
weapon.
Does not show any loving
based affection toward the
males.
Is able to remain reasonably
calm and carry out actions to
dispose, or detain the Alien.
Possesses a great ego in
deciding appropriate protocols
to use.
Takes charge when the leader
is killed.
Makes own decisions and
listens to others.
Is the hero, who survives in
the end.
Also passes the becanal test.

Against
Does convey a nurturing
mothering nature toward the cat.
Despite suggesting appropriate
protocols to take, she allows the
male to have the last word.
Acts scared at times with the
aliens.
Is shown wearing underwear for
male gaze.