The Male Gaze

Music Video Analysis
Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus

This close up of Miley Cyrus' face instantly exposes her. Her bright blue eyes and vibrant red lips are made ever bolder as they contrast with the white background and her pale skin. These features are typically feminine and are a point of attraction for males, therefore this complies with the male gaze theory. The red lipstick holds the focus of the male gaze as red connotes seduction.

Miley's lack of clothing conforms with the male gaze theory as she is very exposed. She wears white clothing which is feminine to look attractive as typically men like very feminine women. However, her Dr Martens are masculine which implies power, paired with the hammer she hold which go against the male gaze theory.

In this shot Miley Cyrus is licking a hammer, this close up has sexual connotations as we relate her actions to sex would be appealing and pleasing for the make audience. Her red lipstick reinforces the seduction. Due to her actions being appropriate to sexual interpretations this shot applies to the male gaze theory.

Miley is fully exposed in this shot therefore satisfies the male audiences sexual desire and complies with the male gaze theory. Compared to the first shot the background is darker which reflects her innocence becoming weaker. Her pale body stands out more against a darker background and gains the full focus of the audience and supplies the male gaze with a clear view of her.

Representation In The Media

                                                         Image 1: Doug Bilhmaier

My representation: When I saw this photo I assumed this mad was poor and without a job. I thought this because of the scuffs on his shoes and the cloths he is wearing. Looking at the patches on his trousers I thought they must be old and worn out. His hair looks long and quite rough which made me presume he is homeless as he doesn't look particularly well groomed.

Doug Bilhmaier background: Doug Bilhmaier works for Ralph Lauren and is known for his unique style. Looking closer I notice that his trousers are clean and the shoes he is wearing are actually a very expensive design.

Image 2: Ralph Lauren

My representation: After seeing the photo I assumed this madras very wealthy and traditional looking t his stance and the way he is dressed. I used the mise-en-scene to assume this man was born into wealth as horses are often associated with the upper class.

Ralph Lauren background: Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer with a very successful clothing brand that is styled to be very classic and British. The photo portrays his style as he is dressed very smartly and looks particularly English.

Image 3: Lynn Yaeger

My representation: This photo made me think this lady is unique and follows her own style, at first I thought she was stuck in the past with her fashion sense but her makeup made me realise she wants to be this way.

Lynn Yaeger background: Lynn Yaeger is a fashion writer for vogue and know for her abstract and quirky style. Looking closer into the photo a clue to her wealth is the jewellery she is wearing.

Image 4: Ted Bundy

My representation: This man looks to be a smart, level-headed business man. His body language suggests to me that he is in charge and hard working, he presents himself to be quite wealthy and intelligent.

Ted Bundy background: Ted Bundy was an American serial killer, kidnapper, rapist and necrophile who assaulted and murdered numerous women and girls during the 1970s and possibly earlier.

Image 5: King Edward VIII

My representation: I perceived this man to be an intelligent, smart and hard working man. The mise-en-scene in this photo suggests to me this man could be a teacher or professor.

King Edward VIII background: This man was a king that wanted to marry for love but was forbidden to do so resulting in him going into exile in France and becoming known as the Duke of Windsor.

Image 6: River Phoenix

My Representation: In this photo I saw a laid back young lad. His choice of clothing suggests to me that he wants to make a statement about how he lives life without caring too much. The way he looks comfortable on the camera in a kind of slouched laid back position makes me wonder if he is a model.


River Phoenix background: River Phoenix was an actor who died in 1993 at the age of 23 from drug induced heart failure. His confidence in front of the camera makes it plausible that he is an actor. His most famous movies were 'Stand by Me' and 'My own private Idaho'.

Film Production

Development - This is simply the process of 'finding' a story. Ideas for films come from a variety of sources, they can range from novels, real life events to computer game adaptations. Once you've got an idea you'll need someone to write a pitch for you which you take to a film producer in an attempt to get some funding to make your film. Even at this very early stage you need a very clear idea of who you're aiming you film at so you can include elements that will appeal to them.
Pre-production - Once you've got funding you establish your budget and can begin to get a film crew together, you can storyboard the script. You also need break the script down into individual scenes and identify all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects needed.
Production - This is simply the process of 'making' the film. Provided you've done your job properly in the pre-production stage making the film should be straight forward. 'Film' is very expensive and difficult to store so an increasing number of film makers are using digital cameras to save money.
Post-production - During this stage you take all the 'film' you've shot and give it to a film editor. They will then begin putting it together. Special effects will be added, a soundtrack will be added, any missing dialogue will be re-recorded and added resulting in a 'rough cut'. This will be shown to the director and a test audience who will offer feedback. Often this causes scenes to be filmed and added or removed.

The following roles in producing a film entail:
Writer

Screenwriter: Screenwriters create screenplays for films. They provide the blueprint for other roles within production. Their job involves making sure they include enticing characters , an exciting plot, and a great idea for a marketable film. The film also needs to fit the basic principles of dramatic construction. Screenwriters produce creative writing and ensure they meet strict deadlines. Screenwriter are almost freelancers, they pitch their ideas to producers in order to sell them. 

Image: William Goldman

Producer

Producers have control on every aspects of a films production. Their key responsibility is to create a positive environment where the cast and crew can work effectively. Producers are responsible for the success of the film. In the development stage, producers are often in charge of coming up with the idea for a production, or selecting a screenplay. The rights are secured by the producer, who also raise the development financing and supervise the development process. Producers approve locations, studio hire, budget, production schedule and the final shooting script. Producers are in constant communication with the director and other key roles on and off set. The producer will deal with the finance and distribution companies to plan the marketing and distribution of the finished film. Image: Producer Megan Ellison

Casting Director

A casting director works with the director and producer to gather together the most suited cast for the film. They are responsible for matching the ideal actor to each role based of a number of factors they need to think about before they decide. this job also includes working closely with production accountants to prepare the casting budget. Casting directors conduct interviews and auditions, they also decide the fee for the actor to appear in a film. This ones with drawing up a contract of terms and conditions and negotiating with agents.

Image: Mark Summers

Director

Directors are responsible for translating the films written script into creative actual images and sounds on screen. They are liable for a films artistic and commercial success or failure. Directors may write the script and develop a vision for the finished film and know how to achieve this. Directors have the job of making crucial decisions e.g cast, crew and locations for the film. Technical aspects of the film are managed by the director including lighting, sound and special effects. directors work closely with editors to reach a final cut or version of the film.

Image: Steven Spielberg

Film Finance

Financial Controller: A financial controller works in the accounts. It is a very challenging role as they are responsible for controlling the accounting, taxation and financial analysis for all the work a company does. Financial controllers help producers and executive producers to prepare budgets and raise finance. The job involves tasks such as controlling cash flow and setting up and managing the accounts team.
Example: John Trehy for 'Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone'.

Camera Operator

A camera operator carries out the director of photography ad directors instructions for shot composition and development. They assess all elements of performance: art direction, lighting, composition and camera movement.  Operators are responsible for all aspects of camera operation enabling the director of production to focus on lighting and overall visual style. They supervise the logistics of moving the camera and oversee camera maintenance work. Most work on commercials, promos and television drama. The work is physically demanding and requires strength and stamina.
Example: Trevor Coop for 'Out of Darkness'.

Editor

A film editor works closely with the director. Making sure shots flow smoothly from beginning to end, each shot is carefully chosen and edited into series of scenes. Editors often work in television drama, as well as on feature films. They check technical standards, the story and the actors performances. Editors select the best takes and edit them together to create scenes. Editors work closely with the director to produce the directors cut, which then needs to be approved by the producers.
Example: Kevin Stitt editor of 'Jurassic World'.

Production Designer

Major heads of department on film crews and are responsible for the entire art department. They may be asked to look at scripts yo provide spending estimates before a director is even approached. The assess visual qualities that will help crete atmosphere and bring the story to life. They discuss how best to shoot the film to work best with the surroundings with the director. Production directors consider whether there are design elements that may give more depth to the film. They calculate budgets and decide how the money will be spent. Production designers produce design sketches and deliver them to art directors who oversee production. Part of the job is managing lots of people, prioritising the work schedule and carefully monitor the budget. They check the construction and dressing of sets. They may have to prepare detailed drawings and specifications in order to pitch for work on a number of productions before being offered work on one of them.
Example: Stuart Craig for 'Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows-Part Two'.

Marketing

Marketing and publicity manager: The main responsibility within this role is to convince the public t watch this movie. They identify the target audience and potential revenue, the marketing campaign should reach target audiences and potential revenue, the marketing campaign should reach target audiences before and during film releases. The role might involve the implementation of a campaign created by a studio and/or the filmmakers. These must be re-tailored for different territories according to cultural differences.

Exhibition

Distributors: the role of a distributor involves competing for the rights to release a film, whether for cinema, terrestrial television, satellite, the DVD/Blu-ray/VOD market. Distributors must create an entirely new film release plan for each project that will maximise the unique selling points. Distributors oversee the accountancy procedures for their films, provide studios or producers with reports covering marketing plans, expenditure evaluations forecasts and revenue breakdowns.

Representation Task

Within the media I identify myself with in particular Binky Felstead. I often like her style and find myself wearing similar outfits. From what I can tell through the media is that she has similar morals and characteristics to myself and also an alike sense of humour.

Due to style, likeability and independence I find myself following the ways of Lucy Watson. She tends to be either loved or hated which could be seen as a weakness but it seems I like her anyway. She stars in the TV show Made In Chelsea. I adore the lifestyle she portrays and can only dream of it myself.

5x5 Task

5 Favorite TV Shows

1) The Vampire Diaries-Stars: Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley.
2) Gossip Girl-Stars: Ed Westwick, Leighton Meester and Blake Lively.
3) Pretty Little Liars-Stars:Ashley Benson, Troian Bellisario, Lucy Hale and Shay Mitchell.
4) Made in Chelsea-Stars: Spencer Mathews, Lucy Watson, Binky Felsted and Jamie Laing.
5) 90210-Stars: AnnaLynne McCord, Shenae Grimes, Jessica Stroup and Matt Lanter.

I enjoy very realistic TV shows, however like within The Vampire Diaries I think thrillers are very gripping.




5 Favorite Current Songs

1) All Things Go- Nicki Minaj
'I look beyond what people sayin', and I see intent, Then I just sit back and decipher, what they really meant. Cherish these nights, cherish these people. Life is a movie, but there will never be a sequel.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTEQVcbUbZw
2) Intoxicated- Martin Solveig & GTA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94Rq2TX0wj4
3) Comeback- Ella Eyre
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnnvfHz7qzA
4) About You- Trey Songz
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EFeoYHx88Y
5) can't feel My face- The Weeknd
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqt8Z1k0oWQ

These songs stand out to me because they are fast paced and are all grouped a similar music genre.

5 Favorite Romance Movies

1) The Notebook- In 1940s South Carolina Noah and Allie fall desperately in love. But her parents don't approve of a poor mill worker boy. Noah goes off to serve in the second World War it seems to marks the end of their love affair, By the time Noah returns Allie is involved with another man but this doesn't get in the way of their love. Stars Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling
2) Crazy Stupid Love- Stars Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and Steve Carrell.
3) If I Stay- Stars Chloe Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley.
4) West Side Story- Stars Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer.
5) The Holiday- Stars Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black.

I like romance movies because they almost always have a happy ending, even after all the obstacles throughout the movie.

5 Favorite Actors and Actresses

1) George Clooney- I find that in all his movies he plays a similar charming and appealing character. The Ocean's Trilogy are my favourite of the movies he has appeared in.
2) Brad Pitt- Mr and Mrs Smith is the movie that Brad Pitt stands out the most to me.
3) Emma Stone- I like her because she is a comedic actress, her roles in 'Easy A' and 'Crazy Stupid Love' are my favourite.
4) Johnny Depp- He has been in a huge amount of successful movies. I love his role as Jack Sparrow in 'The Pirates of the Caribbean' and I also like him in 'Edward Scissorhands'.
5) Anne Hathaway- my favourite female actress, her performance in 'Les Miserables' is one of her best. I also like her character in 'The Princess Diaries' and 'The Devil Wears Prada'. She shows so much flexibility with her roles that makes all of her characters new and fresh.

These Actors and Actresses stand out to me because not only do they have fame and success due to their talent in acting but they also seem like genuinely nice people.

5 Favorite Artists

1) James Bay: he as word a Brit awards for Critics' Choice.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcoknLRq3w8
2) Drake: Drake has won a lot of awards throughout his career, some recent ones include; BET award for best male hip hop artist, MuchMusic Video Award for hip hop video of the year and a Grammy award for best rap album.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBcBEMsGuHw
3) Nicki Minaj: Nicki Minaj is a hugely successful Artist and has on awards such as MTV Video Music Award of best hip hop video, BET award for best female hip hop artist and a BET award for viewers choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9qWbOJhMSA
4) Beyonce: with the appropriate nickname 'Queen B' she has won 452 awards from 704 nominations, including awards won with Destiny's Child. A few of these awards are a Grammy Award song of the year, Grammy award for best female R&B performance and BET award for best collaboration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXXQLa-5n5w
5) Ella Eyre: This artist is successful but newer than my previous 4, she has won a Brit award for British Single.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iwmdq_clSQ

These artists are all good performers and have variety and range within their music. My favourite artists are all very well known but I do also like less prominent artists.