I Am Legend - Male Gaze vs. The Book of Eli - Male Gaze

Attribute	I Am Legend - Male Gaze	The Book of Eli - Male Gaze
Main character	Robert Neville	Eli
Setting	Post-apocalyptic New York City	Post-apocalyptic United States
Survival theme	Yes	Yes
Use of violence	High	High
Depiction of women	Minimal, mostly as victims	Minimal, mostly as victims

Introduction

Male gaze is a concept that refers to the way in which visual media often depicts women from a heterosexual male perspective, emphasizing their physical attractiveness and objectifying them for the pleasure of the male viewer. While this concept is typically applied to the portrayal of female characters, it can also be seen in the representation of male characters in film. In this article, we will compare the attributes of male gaze in two post-apocalyptic films, I Am Legend and The Book of Eli.

Characterization of the Male Protagonist

In I Am Legend, the male protagonist, Robert Neville, played by Will Smith, is portrayed as a strong, resourceful survivor who is determined to find a cure for the virus that has decimated the human population. Neville is shown as physically fit and capable, embodying traditional masculine traits such as bravery and resilience. The camera often lingers on his muscular physique, emphasizing his physical strength and dominance in the post-apocalyptic world.

Similarly, in The Book of Eli, the male protagonist, Eli, played by Denzel Washington, is depicted as a skilled warrior on a mission to protect a sacred book in a world devastated by a nuclear apocalypse. Like Neville, Eli is shown as physically powerful and capable, with the camera frequently focusing on his stoic expression and intense gaze. Both characters are presented as heroic figures who embody traditional ideals of masculinity.

Representation of Female Characters

While both films primarily focus on the male protagonists, they also feature female characters who serve as supporting roles. In I Am Legend, the character of Anna, played by Alice Braga, is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who helps Neville in his quest to find a cure for the virus. However, the camera often objectifies Anna, emphasizing her physical appearance and framing her in ways that cater to the male gaze.

Similarly, in The Book of Eli, the character of Solara, played by Mila Kunis, is depicted as a young woman who accompanies Eli on his journey. While Solara is shown as resourceful and brave, the camera frequently focuses on her beauty and sexuality, reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes. Both films present female characters through the lens of the male gaze, reducing them to objects of desire for the male protagonists.

Visual Style and Cinematography

Both I Am Legend and The Book of Eli feature visually striking cinematography that enhances the post-apocalyptic settings of the films. In I Am Legend, the desolate streets of New York City are depicted in haunting detail, with abandoned buildings and overgrown vegetation creating a sense of isolation and decay. The camera often lingers on wide shots of the cityscape, emphasizing the scale of the devastation.

In contrast, The Book of Eli presents a more desolate and barren landscape, with vast stretches of empty desert and dilapidated buildings. The cinematography in this film is characterized by muted colors and stark contrasts, creating a sense of bleakness and despair. Both films use visual style to convey the harsh realities of life in a post-apocalyptic world, drawing the viewer into the bleak and unforgiving environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both I Am Legend and The Book of Eli exhibit elements of male gaze in their portrayal of male protagonists and female characters. The films emphasize traditional ideals of masculinity through the depiction of strong, heroic male figures, while also objectifying female characters for the pleasure of the male viewer. The visual style and cinematography of both films enhance the post-apocalyptic settings, drawing the viewer into the harsh and unforgiving worlds created by the filmmakers. While both films offer compelling narratives and engaging performances, they also reflect and perpetuate gender stereotypes through the lens of the male gaze.