The Male Gaze

The Male Gaze

This week in our Media Studies class we have been looking into the termonology 'The Male Gaze' a film theory first used in the 70's, a feminstic reference to the voyastic way men look at women, and how the 'gaze' represents a pschologlicaly relationship between two or more people, and how the person holding the gaze has more power over the others. Marjorie Ferguson identified four types of gaze defined below;

Chocolate Box;
The 'Chocolate box' is typically made up of a half smile or full smile, lips slightly parted or together with the teeth barely visible. This look is relitively pleasing, warm, and devoids any looks of uniqueness.

Invitational;
The main emphasis of this look is on the eyes, with a hint of a smile or the mouth completely shut. the model or subject will tilt their head too one side also, or look back at the camera. The look is suggestive of mischief or mystery, hinting at contact rather than sexual promise.

Super Smiler;
A full face with a wide, toothy smile, the subjects head thrusted forward or chin thrown back with the hair usually wind blown. This gives of an angressive 'look at me' attitude, showing confidence and demanding attention.

Romantic/Sexual;
This expression features male and female 'two-somes', describing the often dreamy and heavy/ heavy lidded, and the overtly sexual and sensual. This projects the  possibly available, and definitely available.

     






Trevor Millum: 1975

Seductive:
this looks requires the model to have their eyes slightly closed, and small, faint expressions but still enough to portray to viewers, their expressions should also be milder, be still show self-confidence.

Carefree;
Here the model is seen often smiling, to look healthy and vibrant, and are likely to be photographed in an outdoor enviroment (this look is heavily linked to sports or other outdoor activities) subject is also active.

Practical;
The model here should be concentrating, engaged in business with their mouths closed, with their eyes focused towards an object. Sometimes the model might be frowning, typically with short hair or long hair tied back.

Comic;
This expression is deliberatley ridicuolous and obviously staged, exagrrating a lot and acting the fool by pulling faces or through similar actions.

Catalogue;
A neutral, almost artificial, dummy looking expression, which is wax like. Features can be in any position- but are likely to have open eyes and smiling. However, looks remain empty which any personality removed.