Analyze the Status of Young Women in Patriarchal Societies Films through the Theories of Gaze——Shots of Gazes in "Thelma and Louise"

Abstract

The Third Feminist Movement in America is the setting for the iconic feminist movie "Thelma and Louise." The third feminist movement at the time demanded the abolition of social gender norms, prejudices, and more while thinking outside of the traditional feminist paradigm. Hollywood movies must continuously examine the significance of women's existence from the standpoint of cinematic art because Hollywood is the primary source of feminism. Therefore, the focus of this essay is on how to use gaze theories, including male gaze theory and female gaze theory, to depict the status of women in patriarchal society films. The term "man gaze" describes how the camera confines women because males predominate the film industry and consequently make decisions based on their own values and interests. The female gaze is a way for women to reclaim the sovereignty of their bodies; it is a gaze on women from a female perspective. Through a series of analyses of film techniques and camera language, combined with the gaze theory proposed by Laura Mulvey, it can be hoped to discuss the current situation of contemporary women in a patriarchal society. Specifically, by analyzing the male gaze and female gaze in the film "Thelma & Louise", it can be hoped to illustrate the poor living conditions of women in a patriarchal society, where the male gaze can be seen everywhere in life.