‘Male Gaze’ Theory

Textual analysis.

Main features of the ‘Male Gaze’ by Laura Mulvey. 1) The representation of women in a sexual fantasy and from a heterosexual

male point of view. 2) Scopophilia- the pleasure involved in looking at other peoples bodies.3) Objectification of female characters 4) Patriachal society5) Men- controlling subjects.6) Active male and passive female 7) Women as an image 8) Men do the looking, and the women are there to be looked at. 9) Needs of the male ego.

Applying the theory to a music video. Rhianna- Umbrella-

Shot 1. This opening shot, shows Rhianna, a well known musician, who is known for her beauty- this opening shot is a shot of her body- with the light shining through, which draws attention too and compliments her thin figure, and as the back ground it dim, it also add extra attention to the light shining through, her outfit, which looks to be a black latex suit, will also make her look more appealing to the male watchers. This shot complies with the ‘Male Gaze’ theory, as she would be attractive to a heterosexual male watching the video.

Shot 2&3.

These two shots are very similar, Rhianna, who is still in the same dress, is making eye-contact with the camera, and seductively touching herself, which would be pleasing to a heterosexual male watching the clip, therefore these two shots also comply to the ‘Male Gaze’ theory. The setting of the shots are still dark, creating a suspicion as to her location, with lights shining through, making sure that the males eye is full concentrated onto Rhianna.

Shot 4.

This is a shot with a different interpretation, this shot shows Rhianna, in a change of outfit- a pure white- which suggests her innocence, this also stands out against the plain black background, as it once again gives the full focus onto Rhianna. The water, which is being sprayed in the clips, will fulfil a certain fantasy for the heterosexual males watching the clip, this clip complies with the ‘Male Gaze’ theory.

Shot 5&6.

These two shots, show Rhianna’s legs, in ballet pumps, which may suggest she’s angelic and delicate- her legs would be showing how women are to be looked at- which is said in the ‘Male Gaze’ theory. With the confetti falling down around her. Shot 6 shows Rhianna, back into a black latex leotard style dress, holding a black umbrella, which evidentially represents the song. Rhianna once again is applying to the ‘Male Gaze’ theory as she is suggesting that the heterosexual man would be attracted to her in a sexual, suggesting she is just an object to be looked at.

Shot 7.This shot shows a different side to the video so far, the is a background change- going for beige walls, looking like a home setting. Rhianna herself has had an outfit change, changing into a black corset and fishnet tights, black stilettos and latex gloves, with her hair swept back into a wet look style. Her legs are fully exposed to the male viewers, which will boost their ego for watching the video, this stereotypically agrees with the ‘Male Gaze’ theory, as she is being represented in a fantasising way, which appeals to the heterosexual male viewers.

Shot 8.

this shows Rhianna, fully exposed, painted in silver metallic spray paint, with a mirrored effect, covering herself, exposing her leg. This supports Laura Mulvey’s ‘Male Gaze’ theory, as she is naked not leaving much to the heterosexuals males imagination.