Influenced by Freud and Jacques Lucan; when film and literature is dominated by the male point of view. Her belief is that the world is a patriarchy and that men have the 'active' roles and women have the 'passive' roles.
Traditionally; men play active roles which drive the narrative. Women play passive roles and are seen as erotic objects which slow the narrative. Female roles are sidelined and lead roles for women are scarce.
Women are stereotyped; blonde bimbo's, female physical attractions such as figure and breasts to overpower the male, easy, housewife or mother. They could have some signs of intellect but are willing to settle down.
Male Gaze: two distinct modes - voyeuristic and fetishistic.
Mulvey argued that women where given two character types - sexually active female and powerless female.
Films presented images of women that where produced simply for the gratification of male viewers.
Various studies in the 1970s found men to be the dominant characters and decision makers in film and TV production.
Importance? When women had important roles they were far more likely to be shown as:
- Frightened
- In need of protection and direction
- Offering support to the male lead character(s)
- Not independent or self driven
- Generally weaker
- Still objectified sexually
Changes in society: As women's roles change so does media representaion. Still objectified but also likely to be:
- Career driven
- Intellegent
- Confident
- Empowered
- Able (violent)
Misogyny; Against women, really sexiest.
"There will never be a woman prime minister as long as I have a hole up my arse" Gene Hunt - Life on Mars.
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