MASCULINITY
activity
voyeurism
sadism
fetishism
holds the story
passivity
exhibitionism
masochism
narcissism
regarded as spectacle
The lecture today revolved around the assumption of the male norm in film- that men are not to be objectified as a sexual object or stand passive but are active and are seen to be tested. Pamela pointed out, as shown above, the distinct differences between men and women according to Laura Mulvey. This however is not the case in contemporary cinema where we have become 'accustomed to the visibility of the male body' (Church Gibson 2004) and accept that men are aware of fashion in terms of self identification and vanity.
When studying the suit as classic male dress within film there are many signs which support the male norms. Pamela Church Gibson highlights that it 'renders the male body totally inaccessible', restricting the body from becoming objectified. Dissimilarly, since the 60's women have become increasingly accessible, with parts of the body being shown through skirts and dresses. Throughout history, women are always seen as concealing the flesh while men are not, producing a form of fetishism of female clothing.
http://www.posh24.com/photo/1350790/brad_pitt_black_suit_white_shi
When studying the suit as classic male dress within film there are many signs which support the male norms. Pamela Church Gibson highlights that it 'renders the male body totally inaccessible', restricting the body from becoming objectified. Dissimilarly, since the 60's women have become increasingly accessible, with parts of the body being shown through skirts and dresses. Throughout history, women are always seen as concealing the flesh while men are not, producing a form of fetishism of female clothing.
Laura Mulvey's theory of the 'male gaze' exposes female passivity and relates to the idea of consumption and film. 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' is a prime example of how female spectators react to clothing through the male eye. It seems wherever Marilyn is, men are always there gawking at her- wanting to get closer, highlighting that men are the active force that indeed takes precedence. In addition Mulvey also argues that the female's gaze is much the same as the male gaze and this appears to be an inextricable element to the consumption of fashion through film. Women constantly feel inadequate in looking at themselves through the eyes of men and so seek out new inspiration following what men desire as a look. Furthermore by achieving a desired look there is, as Church Gibson states, a great emotional satisfaction that is attached and thus consumer capitalism grows extensively.
Contemporary film, 'Magic Mike' provides a stark contrast to traditional male norms with men intentionally filmed to be objectified through hardly any clothing at all. However the clothing they do wear appears to subvert the original norms. The classic suit has been altered specifically for male strippers with the shirt completely forgotten (who needs it) and with the bow tie as item of fetishism, sitting on white collar.
http://winestainedlife.com/2012/07/08/movie-review-magic-mike/
Contemporary film, 'Magic Mike' provides a stark contrast to traditional male norms with men intentionally filmed to be objectified through hardly any clothing at all. However the clothing they do wear appears to subvert the original norms. The classic suit has been altered specifically for male strippers with the shirt completely forgotten (who needs it) and with the bow tie as item of fetishism, sitting on white collar.
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