User:Jgodfreyy/Oppositional gaze

Phallocentric Gaze
The phallocentric gaze is defined as "the obsession and focus of study on the male genitals." The ideology behind the phallocentric gaze also explains that the male penis can be understood to be a symbol of male dominance.

Phallocentrism is a term that was coined by Ernest Jones which focuses on this idea of male genitalia being a central piece in the function of the social world.

Oppositional Gaze in Cinema
The oppositional gaze can be seen in cinema through primarily caucasian casting with little to no representation of the black community. Hooks' discussion and definition of oppositional gaze that allows for spectators and the audience to be aware of it on screen. [1] Jordan Peele's film Get Out demonstrates the use of this gaze through the representation of black females as quiet and passive, whereas the black men are viewed for their physical characteristics. [2] Peele explains that this film allows for the Other's [black community] fears to be confronted "and this empowers them in the look, especially as the black protagonist triumphs in the ending showing that the Other can 'move through fear', as Hooks hoped to achieve."

Feminine Gaze
"Transparent creator Jill Soloway spoke about the challenge of defining the female gaze at the Toronto International Film Festival. She argued that the female gaze is really about using the presence of a female perspective on-screen to emphasize the story’s emotions and characters." [1] Many female filmmakers use styles and themes that make fun of the male gaze, and give perspective on the female experience. Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman shows Diana (Gal Gadot) making fun of the clothing sold to women in 1918 as she attempts to find a disguise. This scene depicts a woman expressing frustration at the impracticality of women's fashion. [2] Jane Campion's The Piano takes a different approach and expresses female sexuality and the art of seduction in a way that is quite different to the typical over sexualized and "sleazy" style that is often found in films.

The objective of the female gaze is not simply to change the narrative of objectification and focus the lens on men, but rather to demonstrate how women think and feel. Forster explains that the female gaze in cinema encourages the audience and spectators to resonate with the women on screen, and attempt to feel what they feel. Forster describes that while sexual violence against women is a very serious issue, it is the use of the female gaze in certain films and scenes that changes how the viewers understand it. A rape scene in The Handmaid's Tale depicts Elizabeth Moss disengaging from what is happening to her as she stares at the ceiling. The focus of the camera on her face during these moments forces the spectators and audience to experience that moment with her.