To what extent are Women represented as the 'sex object' or/and 'powerful and independent heroine' in the film industry today with particular focus on 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider' and 'The Avengers'?
In the film industry today, female representation has evolved from the more innocent housewife role to the often sexualised 'object'; such as Megan Fox had been in the contemporary mainstream film 'Transformers'. Similar to Mulvey's theory on the 'Male gaze', sources such as 'On the female body experience' state "the gaze is masculine, and that upon which it gazes is feminine".(1) In this essay I will investigate why women have been represented this way in contemporary film, and how this approach could affect the audiences ideology. I will do this by applying theories such as Laura Mulvey's 'Male gaze' theory, 'hypodermic needle' theory, 'cultivation theory' (1), alongside primary and secondary research to achieve different views on the matter.
aim 1: Independent/objectified
The representation of women in the film industry varies from the 'dumb blonde' to the 'independent female', 'housewife', 'heroine', 'sexualised female' and 'an object'. "50 years ago most men wanted a subservient woman for a wife. Now men are looking for intelligent, confident and empowered babes.'"(2) The representation of the 'ideal' woman has evolved in the media, and has been constructed in such a way that men's perception have changed, this is evident in the action genre and in films like 'Tomb Raider' where Lara Croft is at times represented as empowered and independent, alongside more stereotypical traits like objectification. Therefore men will be drawn to her as she is the new and improved idea of the perfect woman: both intelligent and beautiful at the same time.
Lara is the main protagonist in the film, she is wealthy but inherited the money her father left behind when he died, this element of the plot interferes with her representation as independent and successful. This narrative implies she only has power due to a male giving it to her, in this case, her father.
Her fighting skills and perfect physique demonstrate power and beauty. Lara does subvert one element of the typical female role in the majority of mainstream films. Stereotypical roles such as the 'housewife' or the 'dependant female' are rejected. However, the fact that she inherited the money rather than achieving it herself suggests that her independence as a female has been brought down to a lower level. This, therefore, is evidence that Lara is slightly less independent as the audience firstly decode.
The Avengers was a super hero film made in 2012, based on the usual plot of the super humans saving the planet. In one particular scene in this action film, the character of the Black Widow is shown tied to a chair during an interrogation. Her clothing consists of a black, low-cut, thigh length, skin tight dress and thin tights. However she is not once shown to be controlling the men with her sexuality, nor is she shown defeating them with it. In fact, she skilfully fights all three men using her own physical strength. On the one hand, you could argue that the Black Widow is seen subverting the mainstream female role of an object of visual pleasure for the characters in the narrative, and taking on a role of power, control and independence without using her sexuality. However it could be argued that she is providing visual pleasure for the audience with her cleavage being constantly on display, this projects the idea that in order to attract attention, she must be dressed provocatively.
The scene of this shot is clearly focused on her sexuality, the way she is surrounded by men, dressed quite provocatively, tied to a chair and has no control of freeing herself suggests this. It could also be iconic in a way that demonstrates her weakness as a woman.
aim 3: masculinity equals power
In both Tomb Raider and The Avengers, Lara and the Black Widow are skilled fighters, yet tend to possess the characteristics of men. Could this be because masculinity equals power? It has been questioned that heroines show more male characteristics than female, this could be because the media are attempting to make the woman seem powerful. But why can't the women be sweet and kind rather than aggressive and strong? This is a question asked by many women that recognise this.
For example, towards the end of The Avengers, the Black Widow is shown fighting alongside the Hulk, however during this scene she is making grunting noises and has an intense expression of anger and determination on her face. We would usually imagine the men in action films to be the fighters and heroes, driven by anger or aggression, however we now see a woman taking place of that ideology. Furthermore, the fact that she is grunting and fighting aggressively gives off the impression that she is powerful, and almost manly.
To add onto this, although women are powerful protagonists, they continue to adhere to the 'passive' nature. The Black Widow is the only one that cries throughout the whole of the Avengers. Her character role is shown to be just as skilled as the male protagonists, however she still contains the female characteristics.
In Tomb Raider, Lara Croft is said to be the 'female version of Indiana Jones' as the original video game was aimed at making her similar to Indiana's character (10). This suggests that female protagonists are taking on a new role in the narrative, a role that promotes intelligent, independent females. However, there is a big but here, the idea that women can only be this way with male characteristics, why can't women be empowered by being sweet and caring? Due to the fact that they have been constructed in such a way that promotes masculinity and aggression, it has stuck with action heroine personality traits, and could be that directors don't want to risk trying something new that a passive audience wouldn't understand or possibly even agree with.
There is also a criticism of this viewpoint. Perhaps it doesn't have to be so confusing and brought into the light as much as it is. It could merely be that some women are naturally aggressive or strong when it comes to things like fighting, and enjoy putting on a 'face' or being masculine at times. So how do you judge whether or not they are being portrayed in a negative way, or a realistic way? It is impossible to tell. But it could be argued that they have been mediated in such a way that represents them as such.
"Cinematic gaze of the action film codes the heroines body in the same way as the muscular male hero's, as both object and subject." (11) This is evidence that not only are the women portrayed as objects, but so are men; which can link to this argument in a way that suggests women aren't the only misrepresented nor the only action heroes to take on certain characteristics to be 'more appealing'.
aim 1: Independent/objectified
The representation of women in the film industry varies from the 'dumb blonde' to the 'independent female', 'housewife', 'heroine', 'sexualised female' and 'an object'. "50 years ago most men wanted a subservient woman for a wife. Now men are looking for intelligent, confident and empowered babes.'"(2) The representation of the 'ideal' woman has evolved in the media, and has been constructed in such a way that men's perception have changed, this is evident in the action genre and in films like 'Tomb Raider' where Lara Croft is at times represented as empowered and independent, alongside more stereotypical traits like objectification. Therefore men will be drawn to her as she is the new and improved idea of the perfect woman: both intelligent and beautiful at the same time.
Lara is the main protagonist in the film, she is wealthy but inherited the money her father left behind when he died, this element of the plot interferes with her representation as independent and successful. This narrative implies she only has power due to a male giving it to her, in this case, her father.
Her fighting skills and perfect physique demonstrate power and beauty. Lara does subvert one element of the typical female role in the majority of mainstream films. Stereotypical roles such as the 'housewife' or the 'dependant female' are rejected. However, the fact that she inherited the money rather than achieving it herself suggests that her independence as a female has been brought down to a lower level. This, therefore, is evidence that Lara is slightly less independent as the audience firstly decode.
The Avengers was a super hero film made in 2012, based on the usual plot of the super humans saving the planet. In one particular scene in this action film, the character of the Black Widow is shown tied to a chair during an interrogation. Her clothing consists of a black, low-cut, thigh length, skin tight dress and thin tights. However she is not once shown to be controlling the men with her sexuality, nor is she shown defeating them with it. In fact, she skilfully fights all three men using her own physical strength. On the one hand, you could argue that the Black Widow is seen subverting the mainstream female role of an object of visual pleasure for the characters in the narrative, and taking on a role of power, control and independence without using her sexuality. However it could be argued that she is providing visual pleasure for the audience with her cleavage being constantly on display, this projects the idea that in order to attract attention, she must be dressed provocatively.
The scene of this shot is clearly focused on her sexuality, the way she is surrounded by men, dressed quite provocatively, tied to a chair and has no control of freeing herself suggests this. It could also be iconic in a way that demonstrates her weakness as a woman.
In most movies we in the mainstream media today, the women are either there for visual pleasure, or to support the male role; to give him something to fight for - e.g. the damsel in distress. Laura Mulvey says: "Women then stands in Patriarchal culture as a signifier for the male other, bound by a symbolic order in which man can live out his fantasies and obsessions through linguistic command..." (3) Mulvey suggests the idea of the 'Male gaze' theory, where camera angles tend to focus on the woman's legs, chest area, lips and backside to draw forth particular attention from both males and females in the audience. This is also evident in a scene towards the beginning of Tomb Raider, when Lara is training. She is shown waiting for the robot to appear, readying herself with her hands down by her side, preparing to remove the guns from her thighs. The camera shot is a mid-shot with Lara in the centre, showing only her hips to her thighs for 3 seconds. About 10 seconds later the same shot is projected, again, with only her thighs in view. This suggests that her constructed image is also there for the audience to look at and admire. It also adheres to the fact that even though she is strong and independent, she is still sexualised and objectified in a way that can be demeaning to her role as the independent protagonist.
It could be argued that due to these representations in the film industry, girls 'learn to see themselves as objects' (4), and the gratifications that both girls and women take away from this are that in order to be strong and dominant, you have to be sexy, thin and attractive. For example, Jean Baudrillard's Postmodernist theory of 'hyperreality' ("a special kind of social reality in which a reality is created or simulated by models, or defined by reference to models - a reality generated by ideas.") (5) suggests that female representation in films and the media creates a fake version of reality; something that the vast majority of young women can't possibly achieve, and therefore they are always left wanting to look a certain way, dissatisfied with themselves. It is obvious that the two texts do not necessarily create positive uses and gratifications to the audience, more likely unachievable desires and unrealistic behaviours with consequence.
aim 2: female representation at its worst
Furthermore, due to this, it could be argued by some that female power in the film industry is decreasing to be at its worst. A recent article on 'female power in action films' stated (Black Widow) "Although she's a bare knuckle ninja, her superpower emanates from her pout and posture."(6) This statement is not a representation of women's domination and power, but instead, a stereotypical take on the femininity of the character, as something to 'admire'. Smithsonian.com states that "Women's representation in films is the lowest it's been in five years."(7) For example, the very first scene with Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow shows her tied to a chair, surrounded by several men, in this scene she is pretending to be a prostitute, hence the 'seductive' outfit. In this particular clip, she is wearing all black; a tight fit, low-necked, short, thigh-length dress with thin tights. The mis-en-scene of this shot is clearly focused on her sexuality, the way she is surrounded by men, dressed quite provocatively, tied to a chair and has no control of getting free, in a dark, damp room suggests this and could be iconic in a way that demonstrates her weakness as a woman at this point in time. She then proceeds to break free and defeat the each man that throws himself at her. This scene presents her in a subvert way, in that she has the power and control over the men, and is a skilled fighter, but it also conforms to the stereotype of women in action films as she is frequently sexualised throughout the scene. This is because there are several camera angles focused on her chest, lips and legs. 'Comic book movie fansite' suggests that "The female characters of the films we so passionately debate, follow and view are, are becoming irrelevant, written into the screenplay only to raise stakes for the protagonist or to lure male viewers into the cinema". (8) Stating the opinion that female are merely used to draw in male attention, whether its action films or romance films.
Furthermore, there are two named female characters in The Avengers, Pepper Potts and Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow), however neither speak to one another throughout the course of the film. This fails to pass the Bechdel test and brings into focus the fact that the Black Widow could possibly merely be there for male enjoyment. Since 90% of the media is male owned, woman have a weak position in contributing to the way films are made in mainstream films today.
Furthermore, due to this, it could be argued by some that female power in the film industry is decreasing to be at its worst. A recent article on 'female power in action films' stated (Black Widow) "Although she's a bare knuckle ninja, her superpower emanates from her pout and posture."(6) This statement is not a representation of women's domination and power, but instead, a stereotypical take on the femininity of the character, as something to 'admire'. Smithsonian.com states that "Women's representation in films is the lowest it's been in five years."(7) For example, the very first scene with Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow shows her tied to a chair, surrounded by several men, in this scene she is pretending to be a prostitute, hence the 'seductive' outfit. In this particular clip, she is wearing all black; a tight fit, low-necked, short, thigh-length dress with thin tights. The mis-en-scene of this shot is clearly focused on her sexuality, the way she is surrounded by men, dressed quite provocatively, tied to a chair and has no control of getting free, in a dark, damp room suggests this and could be iconic in a way that demonstrates her weakness as a woman at this point in time. She then proceeds to break free and defeat the each man that throws himself at her. This scene presents her in a subvert way, in that she has the power and control over the men, and is a skilled fighter, but it also conforms to the stereotype of women in action films as she is frequently sexualised throughout the scene. This is because there are several camera angles focused on her chest, lips and legs. 'Comic book movie fansite' suggests that "The female characters of the films we so passionately debate, follow and view are, are becoming irrelevant, written into the screenplay only to raise stakes for the protagonist or to lure male viewers into the cinema". (8) Stating the opinion that female are merely used to draw in male attention, whether its action films or romance films.
Furthermore, there are two named female characters in The Avengers, Pepper Potts and Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow), however neither speak to one another throughout the course of the film. This fails to pass the Bechdel test and brings into focus the fact that the Black Widow could possibly merely be there for male enjoyment. Since 90% of the media is male owned, woman have a weak position in contributing to the way films are made in mainstream films today.
In relation to this, apart from a shocked unnamed maid, a small inuit girl, and a young Cambodian girl, there are no other females seen in the film for longer than 2 minutes, and Lara is the only named female protagonist. In one of the earlier scenes of Tomb Raider, Lara is shown taking a shower, it only shows from the lower neck up, however the scene lingers for a few minutes, focused on her.
"In areas where females have challenged male power, males have responded by representing them in a way that assists in taking their power away". (9) This statement links to the fact that no matter how powerful a women is in an action film, she will almost always be shown in a sexual way in one way or another.
aim 3: masculinity equals power
In both Tomb Raider and The Avengers, Lara and the Black Widow are skilled fighters, yet tend to possess the characteristics of men. Could this be because masculinity equals power? It has been questioned that heroines show more male characteristics than female, this could be because the media are attempting to make the woman seem powerful. But why can't the women be sweet and kind rather than aggressive and strong? This is a question asked by many women that recognise this.
For example, towards the end of The Avengers, the Black Widow is shown fighting alongside the Hulk, however during this scene she is making grunting noises and has an intense expression of anger and determination on her face. We would usually imagine the men in action films to be the fighters and heroes, driven by anger or aggression, however we now see a woman taking place of that ideology. Furthermore, the fact that she is grunting and fighting aggressively gives off the impression that she is powerful, and almost manly.
To add onto this, although women are powerful protagonists, they continue to adhere to the 'passive' nature. The Black Widow is the only one that cries throughout the whole of the Avengers. Her character role is shown to be just as skilled as the male protagonists, however she still contains the female characteristics.
In Tomb Raider, Lara Croft is said to be the 'female version of Indiana Jones' as the original video game was aimed at making her similar to Indiana's character (10). This suggests that female protagonists are taking on a new role in the narrative, a role that promotes intelligent, independent females. However, there is a big but here, the idea that women can only be this way with male characteristics, why can't women be empowered by being sweet and caring? Due to the fact that they have been constructed in such a way that promotes masculinity and aggression, it has stuck with action heroine personality traits, and could be that directors don't want to risk trying something new that a passive audience wouldn't understand or possibly even agree with.
There is also a criticism of this viewpoint. Perhaps it doesn't have to be so confusing and brought into the light as much as it is. It could merely be that some women are naturally aggressive or strong when it comes to things like fighting, and enjoy putting on a 'face' or being masculine at times. So how do you judge whether or not they are being portrayed in a negative way, or a realistic way? It is impossible to tell. But it could be argued that they have been mediated in such a way that represents them as such.
"Cinematic gaze of the action film codes the heroines body in the same way as the muscular male hero's, as both object and subject." (11) This is evidence that not only are the women portrayed as objects, but so are men; which can link to this argument in a way that suggests women aren't the only misrepresented nor the only action heroes to take on certain characteristics to be 'more appealing'.
In conclusion, the representation of women in the film industry today is often changing. In action films, we see that the women are represented as powerful and independent, therefore the gratifications are that as women, we can feel like we can do anything too. However there are still negative ways in which women are represented, while portrayed as powerful, they are still sexualised or objectified in one way or another. This study of how far women are represented as the 'sex object' or 'independent heroine' helps to demonstrate the over all representation of women in action films and most of the media today. Powerful, independent, beautiful, sexy, strong, skilled, aggressive.. These are a few of the characteristics they hold. So over all their characters tend to be alluring, beautiful and strong at the same time. Lastly, there is evidence to suggest that not all action heroines are represented badly, that it could be over exaggerated, too.
Bibliography:
1. http://keca2media.blogspot.co.uk
2. http://revisionworld.co.uk
3. http://www.theraider.net/information/influences/tomb_raider.php
4. http://scmc3001.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/quote-laura-mulvey-visual-pleasure-and-narrative-cinema/
5. http://keca2media.blogspot.co.uk
6. http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/in-theory-baudrillard-9/
7. http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/movies/girl-power-action-heroines-seize-the-screen/article_6b929c58-ae17-11e1-81dc-001a4bcf6878.html
8. http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/Thwaitenator/news/?a=87652 - book
9. Jackson Katz - http://keca2media.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2013-11-07T09:54:00-08:00&max-results=7
10. http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews/2013/05/female-representation-in-film-is-the-lowest-its-been-in-five-years/
11. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=CTPNur1Qc-gC&pg=PA208&dq=tomb+raider+masculinity+in+lara+croft&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sGzNUrejKYqf7gaw1oCYCQ&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=tomb%20raider%20masculinity%20in%20lara%20croft&f=false - book
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