The Male Gaze Continued

We were also asked to study a music video and an advert of choice to apply these theories too, as seen below;

Music Video Clip:

When looking for a video to complete this task about, I found my self searching through many music videos of different genres, finding it difficult to get a video where the model or subject is directing their gaze towards the audience or camera. However I did find than more often than not, rappers, hip hop and grime artists do this more than bands etc, which I why I decided upon Frank Oceans video to his song 'Novacane' as the main subject in the video is himself, with a close up of his face.




He has eye contact with the camera for the majority of the clip, grabbing the attention of the viewer through his gaze; this also shows the relationship of power between Frank and whoever it may be watching the video, as they are watching him, and not the other way around. Woman particularly might find his looks seducing, as he seems to be holding their gaze too. He has a very 'practical' expression, he is frowning, mouth open very little, and concentrating on his 'business' performing his song to his audience. People may also think this look is very seductive, or even catalogue, as too some his expressions might be meaningless, and there fore void of any emotion.

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.