'Rear Window' is another example of establishing the traditional female stereotypes. Initially, the cinematography at the beginning of the extract is useful presenting the neighbourhood. This is established through the camera movement of a pan across the flats which is effective in giving the audience gives the audience an insight of the individuals daily routines through the medium shots of the different windows. The examples of this would the medium shots of a man getting ready in his bedroom, followed by two couples waking up by hearing their alarm through the non-dietetic sound.
Significantly, the camera movement of a pan focuses on another window which is of a young women. 'Miss Torso'. The medium shot focuses on the female character putting on her clothes and then begins cleaning lingerie. Her revealing clothing whilst cleaning is crucial in portraying her as a part of Mulvey 'male gaze' theory. This is because, she is represented in looking appealing and seductive which would make her be 'gazed' at by the male audience. Also, the domestic work of cleaning reinforces the traditional stereotypes of women domestic chores in society. Thus, this dominate representation of the character follows the stereotypical conventions of a women looking glamorous as well as carrying out their expected domestic tasks.
According to Feminist Mulvey, female characters being 'gazed' at by the male audience results to sexual objectification in film through an illusion narrative. This is because, through the perspective of the male audiences they would perceive the female character as their own sexual object and therefore this portrays females as being passive. By creating a distance between the heterosexual male audience and the female characters, according to Mulvey this would help females to from being perceived sexually objectified.
In relation to my primary text (SALT) and one of my secondary text (The Dark Knight Rises), the female characters are alternatively represented throughout both of the films which is a contrast to how 'Miss Torso' is dominantly portrayed. Hathaway's, Cottilard and Jolie's characters all subvert the traditional female stereotypes as they are alternatively represented in being fearless and not passives. One could argue, that the female characters in Salt and Dark Knight Rises reflect the changes in the roles of women in contemporary society and therefore this is effective in allowing the female audience to identify with the characters. Throughout the years we have seen a major shift in gender roles in films as more women are taking on active role. This is issue is established in many genres, especially in action films where the female characters are represented as being equally or more powerful than the male characters. For example, in SALT Jolie's character is portrayed as being a masculine and a heroine which subverts the female stereotypes in films in previous years. Similarly, in The Dark Knight Rises Hathaway character uses old traditional stereotypes to manipulate men and is alternatively represented as being dauntless. Whereas, Cottilard plays the female antagonist, thus highlighting that the roles of females in films are changing which could be a reflection of the positive changes for women in society. The continuous battles to achieve equality over the years from Feminist has led to made changes for women in society, such through laws and as a result this has positively impacted women lives. For example, some women no longer financially depend on their male counterpart and others are gaining higher social status to men.Thus, this shows a contrast between Rear Window and The Dark Knight Rises and Salt shows a shift in the roles of the female characters.
Furthermore, Rear Window was produced in the 50's where gender roles were not equal in society. Society expectations of men was to carry out the breadwinner role and therefore they were primarily responsible for financially providing for their family. Whereas, women were expected to take on the expressive role which conveys that they were responsible for looking after the kids and her husband and being a full time housewife. Significantly, this establishes that women were inferior to their male counterparts as they became dependent on them and could not make any finance decisions in the household. Additionally, the media also portrayed these traditional roles of women through advertisements, magazines and films. "Pressures on girls and women came from all angles. To look normal and acceptable to men, and to be the women that could keep the home well for their future husbands". Effectively the traditional roles of women is reflected in Rear Window as 'Miss Torso' is carrying out the domestic tasks or cleaning but also looking glamorous to appeal to the male audience.
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