10/10/23

Considering representations of women

Liesbet Van Zoonen and feminist theoretical perspective

Key theory 8- Feminist theory, Lisbet Van Zoonen

Feminism-An ideology that seeks equality between the sexes. It recognises that we still live in a patriarchal society.

Patriarchal society-Where men have power over women.

Men and women bodies are encoded in completely different ways in media products constructed through media language.

Additionally, women's bodies are used spectacle to sell media products.

  

Exploring the representation of gender- Die anther day, Jinx sequence.

• The sequence begins with a slow zoom on Bonds face, emphasising his importance and power. The mise-en-scene of his binoculars cover his face and we cut to a POV mid shot framed in the scope of his binoculars by a black circle, emphasising Bonds interest in the woman. We cut back to Bond as he stares voyeuristically at Jinx.

Voyeurism- taking pleasure at watching someone when they do not know they are being watched.

• Bond announces "magnificent view" and takes a sip of his drink. We cut to a close up shot of Jinx's flattered expression and she responds.
• As Jinx emerges from the water she walks in an exaggerated and stereotypically seductive way which draws attention to her hips, which reinforces the stereotypes that women are included in films merely to be looked at.

Audience positioning-How the audience it 'placed' by the producer using media language.

The Male Gaze-The assumption that he audience without question is a heterosexual man. Things added to a text to please the male eye.

In this film poster Reese Witherspoon is being represented as a stereotypical 'blonde' girl as she is seen wearing pink which is a stereotypical 'girl' colour. Additionally she is seen wearing heels which is stereotypical of women.

However she is seen holding books which could subvert stereotypes of women not being academic and smart.