The Male Gaze

Beyonces music video 'rocket' emphasizes the use of 'the male gaze' in media today. Beyonce may have decided to use the male gaze in her video to increase the amount of views she may get on the video and also to attract male (or female) viewers.




In the first 3 seconds of the video, we see 5 close ups. Beyonce's body is presented in all of the closeups in a sexualized way. As seen in the image above, Beyonce is staring at the camera and therefore 'breaking the fourth wall'. Beyonce is also stroking her lips in a seductive way which viewers would connote with sex.

At about 50 seconds in we see Beyonce on a bed holding bed sheets up around her, in this clip it appears she is only wearing underwear. The underwear Beyonce is wearing accentuates her curves and therefore suggests Beyonce is trying to show off her body in the video in  a sexual way. Also the fact she's holding bed sheets around her suggests Beyonce wanted to create the impression that she had just with a partner.

Water is a common theme throughout the video. Beyonce may have chosen to do this because we connote wet skin with sex. In the image above we see Beyonce's stomach with droplets of water falling on to it. From what we can see she is naked which again emphasizes ideas of sex/pleasure because we connote being naked with intimacy. 

At approximately 1 minute 40 seconds we see an extreme close up/upwards panning shot of Beyonce with a slight grin on her face.  Her smile suggests that she is thinking of a lover because she looks happy but also has a seductive look on her face too. 

At about 2 minutes 20 seconds in we see a low angle Beyonce seductively crawling towards the camera while staring at it. The low angel makes Beyonce seem in power and suggests she's looking down to a lover who's lying on the bed.  They way Beyonce is crawling and the fact she is only in underwear again implies that the director is trying to make the video sexual because the viewer will connote sex with the way she's moving and her lack of clothing. In this clip Beyonce's cleavage is exposed which suggests the director has done this to get the attention of male viewer. 

3 seconds later the audience is presented with a close up of the back of Beyonces head. We see her let her hair down and shake it out. This could be associated with intimacy/pleasure  because the phrase 'letting your hair down' may suggest sex. 

At 3 minutes we see a close up of Beyonce in a shower, her skin is wet and she appears naked. This empathizes the sexual theme throughout the video because wet skin suggests sex. Beyonce is presented with an intense, almost orgasmic expression on her face which creates the image that she is thinking of sex. 

At about 3 minutes 40 seconds we are presented with a long shot of Beyonce walking down what appears to be a hotel corridor. She is again wearing provocative underwear and she is carrying her heals. This clip suggests that Beyonce is walking away from an encounter with a lover. The combination of the hotel and the sexy underwear is connoted with sex.

The video ends with Beyonce looking directly at the camera and then closing her eyes and grinning. 

Is this video empowering or degrading? 

I think the video can be perceived as both empowering and degrading at the same time. On one hand, it may be seen as empowering because it is clear that Beyonce is embracing her sexuality and using it to her own advantage to make money. Beyonce appears to be in control of the video which suggests the video is empowering because she's using her body in a positive way and how she wants to use it.

However the video may also be viewed as degrading because her body is over sexualized throughout the whole video for a mans enjoyment. It may also be seen as degrading because Beyonce is presented in a very sexual way to increase sales and therefore so she can make money.

How do i present myself?

Uk tribes

I think i belong to a combination of tribes. Firstly, i think i belong to the group 'chaver' because I enjoy going out every weekend. I also like going to festivals and big music events. I also think i belong to the group 'fan girl' because i like watching youtube videos and reading blogs like it is describes on the website. I think i'm partly in the group 'trendies' also because i aspire to have nice things and like more expensive things.

I believe I'm similar to Emma Watson in some ways such as I believe in women rights and that men and women should be equal and i know Emma has supported the women's rights movement. I think I think i have a similar taste in products to Kylie Jenner as i always like what she wears and how she
styles herself.

I am aware the i purposely copy the styles of some people in the public eye. I do copy the clothing and makeup looks of Kylie Jenner because i like what it looks like.

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.
  
  
  What is the job of the following titles in film making? 
  

  • writer - Research and develop storylines and write screenplays. 

  • producer- Producers have control over many aspects of the film. Their main job is to create an environment where all the other people can flourish. They turn story ideas in to profitable films. 

  • casting director- Organizes the selecting/casting for the film. They arrange the interviews and also help organize contracts for the selected actors. They work with the director and producer to understand their requirements. 

  • director-The director helps bring the film to life. Helps carrying out duties such as casting, script editing, shot composition, shot selecting and editing. They are responsible for the films commercial success failure.  

  • film finance- films sales agents help film makers looking for distribution deals. They also work with film makers to develop marketing strategies. 

  • camera operator - prepare and operate the camera and its equipment. they work with the director and photography director to achieve the correct visuals. 

  • editor-They work closely with the directors of the film. Their job may require them to work in an edit suit for long hours. 

  • production designer- They production designer defines and manages every visual aspect of the film. They work with the director and producer to produce a budget and schedule. 

  • marketing- People who work in the marketing of the films job is to a marketing plan and campaign in order to boost sales/profits. 

  • exhibition- exhibition is the retail branch of the film industry. It involves their public screening, usually for paying customers in a site devoted to such screenings, the movie theater.

  
  
  • camera operator
    
    
    
• editor
• production designer
• marketing
• exhibition

Ex_Machina

Producers/Production- Ex_Machina was produced by DNA and film 4. 
Director - Alex Garland
Screen Writer - Alex Garland 
Actors - Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac, Domhall Gleeson, Sonoya Mizuno 
Buget - $15 million 
Box office figures - $36.9 million
Music (composer of score/soundtrack) - Geoff Barrow, Ben Sailsbury 

Marketing (teaser trailers, trailers, posters, websites etc) - 

exmachina-movie.com

SFX (special effects - technology used) -  Go pro hero 3 black edition. Sony cineast F65. Cooke stall express. Kowa promiser and angenieux optimo lenses. Sony cineast mw-f55, cooke xtal express. 
Any Issues - www.wired.com describes the relationship portrayed between men and women in this film is 'problematic' because ava is practically 'genderless'. 

5 x 5

5 American TV shows

                  

  1. Prison Break

Created by Paul Scheuring. The successful series first aired in 2005 and ran for 4 years, with the series finale taking place in 2009.  

The series follows two brothers Lincoln Burrows, who has been charged for murdering the president and his genius brother Michael Scofield who's fighting to save Lincoln's life. 

2. F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Friends is an American Tv show which follows the lives of 6 friends living in the New York (Ross, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe, Rachel and Monica). The light-hearted comedy ran for 10 years and is 10 seasons long. Friends is my all time favorite 'pick me up' show to watch and if I'm feeling sad i know if i watch an episode of friends i'll soon be laughing. 

3. Breaking Bad

This award winning series will keep you on the edge of your seat like no other! This series follows a over qualified chemistry teacher diagnosed with lung cancer who decides to use his chemic skills for a some what controversial hobby. I loved Breaking bad and found it utterly addictive. 

 

4. Desperate Housewives

Set on the idyllic 'Wisteria lane', desperate housewives follows the lives of four very different women. The series is filled with drama and is very entertaining. I love this program and would recommend it to teenagers and adults. I think it would be good for women to watch this as they could find it relatable. 

5. Modern Family

Modern Family is an American comedy series. It shows the lives of 3 individual families which are all part of the same family. I love this program because its really funny and will always cheer me up. 

5 Youtubers

1. Beauty Crush

Beauty crush, otherwise known as sammi, runs a youtube channel where she expresses her love for makeup, fashion and health. She has over 1 million subscribers and her videos are very relatable. I like her videos because they teach me about beauty products and she shows me nice clothes which inspires me. 

2. The Persian babe

'The persian babe' is a fashion youtube channel. Barbara mainly focuses on fashion videos but she also includes makeup tutorials and the occasional university vlog. Barbara is down to earth and her videos are really easy to watch which is why i like her. 

3. Patricia bright.

Patricia bright runs a youtube channel. Her content is varied and she will upload a variety of videos from makeup tutorials to lifestyle videos. I like watching her lifestyle videos because i find that she is very honest and will give good advice to younger viewer like myself to make us feel better about some of our worries. 

4. Makeup by Mandy 

Amanda steele, who runs the channel 'makeupbymandy24' is a 16 year old youtuber who makes videos about fashion and beauty. I enjoy watching her videos because i find her easy to relate to because she's the same age as me and likes similar things to me. 

5. Zoella

'Zoella' or zoe, is possibly the most famous British youtube there is. She has over 9 million subscribers yet she manages to stay very grounded and relatable. I like her videos because i think she has a really nice personality and her videos make me happy. 

5 Movies staring Jennifer Aniston 

1. Marley & Me.

Marley & me follows the life of a couple and its puppy. The audience witness the couple as they grow together along side their dog as they go through life events. I love this movie because its heartfelt and  emotional. 

2. We're the millers

I love this film because i think it's really funny and has a good storyline. 

3. Just go with it

Tells the story of a man trying to convince his new girl friend he was previously married after telling a lie. I like this film because i think it's funny. I think this film would be good for many ages. 

4. Horrible bosses

This movie is about 3 men who hate their bosses. They all devise a plan to kill each other bosses and the film follows them as they try to carry out their plans. I found this film funny and i liked the storyline. 

5. The bounty hunter

About a broken up couple who find them selves on the run for their lives. 

5 Albums 

1. Good kid, m.a.a.d city - kendrick lamar

This is my all time favorite album because i never get bored of the songs. Its the second studio album from kendrick lamar. 

2. Beyonce - Beyonce

Beyonce is 15 songs long and also includes a music video for every song. Was released by surprise. 

3. Born to die - Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Reys first album. I love every song because they are all sang so beautifully. 

4. Take care - Drake

This album was released in 2011 and is the second studio album by the 

 rapper. I love this album and next get bored of the songs. 

5. 2014 Forest hills drive - J cole

J coles 3rd album. Hiphop. 

5 Songs

1. Corinne Bailey Rae - Put your records on

Chilled out, uplifting, R&B, Soul. 

2 Rihanna - No love allowed

Reggae feel. Upbeat

3. kanye west - Homecoming

Upbeat, rap. 

4. The kooks - She moves in her own way 

Alternative, dancey, fun.  

5. Mardy Bum. 

Indy. About a relaxation ship which has gone cold because of the 'mardy bum'. 

Examples -  Extreme long shot/establishing shot

Close up



Mid shot




Two shot




















Over the shoulder shot



Low angle shot


Tracking shot


High angle/zoom

4 areas of textual analysis

Camera Shots, Angle, Movement, Composition.

• Shots: establishing shot, master shot, close-up, mid-shot, long shot, wide shot, two-shot, aerial shot, point of view shot, over the shoulder shot, and variations of these.
• Angle: high angle, low angle, canted angle.
• Movement: pan, tilt, track, dolly, crane, steadicam, hand-held, zoom, reverse zoom.
• Composition: framing, rule of thirds, depth of field – deep and shallow focus, focus pulls.

Editing

Includes transition of image and sound – continuity and non-continuity systems.

• Cutting: shot/reverse shot, eyeline match, graphic match, action match, jump cut, crosscutting, parallel editing, cutaway; insert.
• Other transitions, dissolve, fade-in, fade-out, wipe, superimposition, long take, short take, slow motion, ellipsis and expansion of time, post-production, visual effects.

Sound

• Soundtrack: score, incidental music, themes and stings, ambient sound.
• Diegetic and non-diegetic sound; synchronous/asynchronous sound; sound effects; sound motif, sound bridge, dialogue, voiceover, mode of address/direct address, sound mixing, sound perspective.

Mise-en-Scène

• Production design: location, studio, set design, costume and make-up, properties.
• Lighting; colour design

The man. the woman and the man 2

The Man

• Who is he? Some people may assume that this man is homeless. This is because of the way he dresses. People have connotations surrounding people who dress in a certain way and these connotations may lead them to believe that this man is homeless because his clothes appear scruffy. 
• What does he do? If he is homeless then he may have to beg for money to buy food. He might sleep rough and have a dog. 
• What is his story? To become homeless, he could have lost his job which may have left him unable to pay his bills. Also, he could have been homeless the majority of his life if he ran away from home and then couldn't get out of his situation. 
• WHY?  How do you know? People may also assume he's homeless because he's on a street which may may people think he lives there. He has a beard which may also lead to people thinking he's homeless as having a beard has connotations of being homeless and not as clean. 
• Who is he really? Doug Bihlmaier. A successful buyer for Ralph Lauren. 

The Woman 

• Who is she? A wealthy Elderly women. Interested in fashion. People may assume that she has grandchildren and a family. 
• What does she do? Retired and now lives a leisurely life. Spends time shopping and going out for lunches with her friends. 
• What is her story? Some people may assume that she's had a nice life and has always had money. People may see the image and see how she's dressed nicely and think she lives in a nice house with her husband. They may think she has children and not really had a career because of her kids.
• WHY?  How do you know? Because she's wearing sunglasses and is nicely dressed people may think that she's wealthy. Wearing big glasses, like she is, may have connotations around being rich because they could be expensive. 
• Who is she really? Julie Christie. An Actress. 

The Man 2 

• Who is he? From the way he's dressed, people may believe that this man is wealthy and has a creative job. He looks like he cares about the way he's perceived which may suggest to someone that he has a creative job so therefore cares about aesthetics. 
• What does he do? From the image people may think that he's a designer or artist. 
• What is his story? Come from a wealthy family. Went to a good art university where he studies something like art or fashion. 
• WHY?  How do you know? The way he's dressed suggests that he's well off and has a career in design. Also from the setting he's in, it may be perceived that he's an important person at an important event. 
• Who is he really? Christian Louboutin. Famous shoe designer. 

7 areas of representation

1. Gender
2. Age
3. Ethnicity
4. Sexuality
5. Class and status
6. Physical ability/disability
7. Regional identity.