Film theory : feminist film theory

1. “Welcome ”
Submitted by : Anita R. Gupta
Roll No. : 05
Paper : 9 (A)
Topic : Feminist Film Theory
Submitted To : Dr. Kalpana Rao Ma’am

2. Feminism
Belief in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.
The movement organized around this belief.
Feminism can be defined as a recognition and critique of male
supremacy combined with efforts to change it.
FEMINIST THEORY is an outgrowth of the general movement to
empower women worldwide.

3. Feminist Film Theory
Feminist film theory is atheoretical film criticism derived from
feminist politics and feminist theory. Feminists have many approaches
to cinema analysis, regarding the film elements analyzed and
their theoretical underpinnings.
Influenced by second wave Feminism and Women’s studies in the
1960s-1970s.
Initial attempts in the United States in the early 1970s were generally
based on sociological theory and focused on the function of women
characters in particular film narratives or genres and of stereotypes as
a reflection of a society’s view of women.

4. Relevancy
Feminism can be defined as a social movement and an ideology in support
of the idea that a larger share of scarce resources shold be allocated to
women.
Feminist believe that women should enjoy the same rights in society as
men and that should share equality in society’s opportunities.
Feminist theory represents :
I. An attempt to give a voice to women & female perspective.
II. Critical of the traditional scientific sociological approach that stresses a
commitment to neutrality, objectivity and empirical research.
III. Greatest contribution to the field of sociology & society.

5. Male Gaze
In films, the male gaze occurs when the audience is put into the
perspective of heterosexual man. A scene may linger on the curves of
a women’s body, for instance, hence its referral to being the Male
Gaze.
The male gaze is using women sexuality and stereotypes of women
by showing their femininity. The theory suggests that male gaze
denies women and they are used as the males subject and visual
pleasure.
Male gaze were considered to be misleading, which would have a
negative impact on the female watches.
In Feminist Theory, the Male Gaze expresses an unequal power
relationship.

6. Movies Based On This Theory
Bollywood :
 Chak De India (2007)
 7 Khoon Maaf (2011)
 English Vinglish , Kahaani (2012)
 Mary Kom, Mardaani (2014)
 Piku (2015)
 Queen (2013)
 Akira, Pink, Dangal (2016)
Hollywood :
 The Seashell And the Clergyman
(1928)
 Marianne And Juliance (1981)
 Vagabond (1985)
 The Day I Became A Women (2000)
 The Headless Women (2008)

7. “Thank You So Much
For Your Attention”