ABSTRACT
The male gaze is a concept that describes how film audiences are positioned to view women from a heterosexual male perspective, which objectifies and fetishizes them. Building on this concept, this article examines how feminist films are influenced by the male gaze. It points out that many recognized feminist films, while paying attention to women's personal growth and development, still sexualize women as objects and conform to patriarchal viewing habits. This research uses the film Chicago (2002) as a case study to show how the male gaze affects the plot, visual style, and character design of feminist films. For example, it analyzes how the film uses sexy revealing costumes and erotic sultry movements to cater directly to the male gaze; how the female characters rely on men's help and rewards to get out of difficulties and realize their personal values; and how they have disguised personalities that conform to social aesthetics, rather than identifying with their true selves. Such films are detrimental to gender equality and social progress because they reinforce gender stereotypes, undermine women's agency and empowerment, and perpetuate patriarchal values. It urges more awareness and criticism of the male gaze in feminist films, as well as more research on this topic. There are also suggestions of some possible solutions or alternatives to the male gaze in feminist films, such as using a female gaze that respects women's subjectivity, creating more complex and realistic female characters, and challenging the sexualized feminine standard aesthetic.
