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.