female gaze Flashcards
what is the female gaze?
it centres on the inner lives and perspectives of female characters, focusing on their thoughts, feelings and personal experiences rather than jus their physical appearance.
what does it aim to do?
it aims to create a sense of empathy and relatability with female characters, allowing audiences to see and understand the world through their eyes.
how are women portrayed ?
As active agents with their own desires, goals and autonomy rather than passive objects of male desire or action.
what does the female gaze often emphasise?
the depth and complexity of relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic, highlighting emotional intimacy and connection.
what’s an example of the female gaze in film?
Might be a scene that focuses on a woman’s experience and emotions during a significant life event, showing her perspective in a way that fosters empathy and understanding from the audience.
what might the female gaze avoid?
Gratuitous or objectifying shots of her body, instead of focusing on her facial expressions, body language, and interactions with others
what is it forcing to audience to do?
See the world through a female perspective
how does the female gaze differ from the male gaze in terms of objectification?
the male gaze often portrays women as objects of male pleasure and desire, focusing on their physical appearance and sexual attractiveness.
Whereas the female gaze emphasizes the subjective experiences, emotions, and inner lives of women, presenting them as complete and complex individuals.
how does the female gaze differ from the male gaze in terms of perspective?
It typically represents the viewpoint of a heterosexual male, where women are seen through the lens of male fantasies and interests. Female gaze represents a viewpoint that centres on women’s perspectives, often highlighting their thoughts, feelings, and experiences
How does the female gaze differ from the male gaze in terms of power dynamics?
Women in the male gaze are frequently depicted in passive or subordinate roles, reinforcing traditional gender hierarchies where men hold power and women are submissive. in the female gaze women are portrayed as active agents with their own desires, goals and autonomy, challenging traditional power dynamics.
how does the female gaze differ to the male gaze in terms of visual style?
male gaze often involves camera techniques that linger on the female body, emphasizing beauty and sexuality, such as close-ups of body parts and lingering shots.
female gaze uses camera techniques that highlight facial expressions, interactions, and body language to explore emotions, vulnerability and intimacy.
