An Analysis of the Correct Use of Female Gaze from the Perspective of Gaze Theory -- A Case study of Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Abstract

Feminism is currently popular, and there are an increasing number of feminist films attempting to promote this idea. Some scholars have expanded the theory of gaze into feministic fields, most notably Laura Mulvey, who proposed the concept of the male gaze. Following that, the theory of the female gaze was developed in response to the theory of the male gaze. However, the use of the female gaze in many films is incorrect, and the gaze theory lacks a clear definition of the female gaze. Using gaze theory, the study investigates the proper use of the female gaze in feministic films. First, the research points out some representations of the pseudo-female gaze: directors only change the protagonist's gender, transforming a male into a female with a female performing male functions; they maintain a male gaze while incorporating feminist themes; the portrayal of females is stereotypical and idealistic, not delving into their true inner thoughts. Then Taking the film Portrait of a Lady on Fire as an example, the outcome demonstrates that the correct female gaze used in films has the following characteristics: Characters can be aware of and object to the gaze; It is the gaze as equal seeing; It is the gaze that focuses on the feelings and experiences of the characters. All these characteristics can be used in future feministic films to help improve audiences' understanding of the female gaze and to help get rid of the pseudo-female gaze in films.