BEYOND THE MALE GAZE: WOMEN DIRECTORS RECLAIMING THE FEMALE BODY IN CINEMA

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BEYOND THE MALE GAZE: WOMEN DIRECTORS RECLAIMING THE FEMALE BODY IN CINEMA

BEYOND THE MALE GAZE: WOMEN DIRECTORS RECLAIMING THE FEMALE BODY IN CINEMA

Authors : Henrieta Krupa

Pages : 73-99

Doi:10.65082/akademiksanat.1651356

View : 251 | Download : 365

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This article explores how contemporary female directors subvert the traditional male gaze to reclaim and redefine the representation of the female body in cinema. Drawing on foundational feminist film theories—particularly Laura Mulvey’s concept of the male gaze, Teresa de Lauretis’ notion of the technology of gender, and bell hooks’ concept of the oppositional gaze—the study establishes a critical framework that interrogates the power dynamics inherent in classical Hollywood filmmaking. Through detailed case studies of Jane Campion’s The Piano, Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, the article demonstrates diverse strategies for reimagining female subjectivity and desire. Campion’s work foregrounds sensuality and tactile intimacy by situating the female body within natural landscapes, while Sciamma constructs a mutual gaze that facilitates an egalitarian and empathetic exchange between women, rejecting objectification. Zhao’s naturalistic portrayal in Nomadland challenges conventional beauty norms by emphasizing realism and the dignity of everyday life. Together, these films illustrate a transformative cinematic language that not only critiques historical objectification but also opens new avenues for feminist storytelling. The article concludes by discussing future directions for feminist filmmaking in an era marked by digital innovation and increased intersectional representation.
Keywords : Kadın Bakışı, Erkek Bakışı, Feminist Film Teorisi, Öznellik, Temsil.

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