Male Gaze - Audrey Hepburn - Female Gaze vs. Male Gaze - Marilyn Monroe - Female Gaze

Attribute	Male Gaze - Audrey Hepburn - Female Gaze	Male Gaze - Marilyn Monroe - Female Gaze
Actress	Audrey Hepburn	Marilyn Monroe
Iconic	Yes	Yes
Beauty standards	Elegant, sophisticated	Sensual, glamorous
Character roles	Often portrayed as independent and strong	Often portrayed as seductive and vulnerable
Impact on popular culture	Significant influence on fashion and style	Iconic figure in Hollywood history

Introduction

When discussing the concept of the male gaze in cinema, two iconic actresses often come to mind: Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Both actresses were major stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood and represented different ideals of beauty and femininity. By examining how the male gaze and female gaze are applied to these two actresses, we can gain insight into the ways in which women have been portrayed and perceived in film.

Male Gaze - Audrey Hepburn - Female Gaze

Audrey Hepburn is often seen as the epitome of elegance and sophistication in Hollywood. Her slim figure, delicate features, and graceful demeanor have made her a timeless symbol of beauty. In films like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Roman Holiday," Hepburn's characters are often portrayed as independent, intelligent, and charming. However, despite her strong on-screen presence, Hepburn's image is still largely shaped by the male gaze.

When viewed through the male gaze, Hepburn is objectified and idealized as the perfect woman. Her petite frame and doe-eyed expression are often highlighted in a way that emphasizes her beauty and desirability. The camera lingers on her graceful movements and elegant outfits, framing her in a way that invites the viewer to admire her beauty. While Hepburn's characters may have agency and intelligence, they are ultimately defined by their appearance and how they are perceived by men.

On the other hand, when viewed through the female gaze, Hepburn's characters take on a different dimension. Instead of being objectified, Hepburn is celebrated for her talent, wit, and charm. Female viewers may identify with her characters' struggles and triumphs, seeing them as complex and relatable individuals. The female gaze allows Hepburn to be seen as more than just a beautiful object of desire, but as a multifaceted and empowered woman.

Male Gaze - Marilyn Monroe - Female Gaze

In contrast to Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe is often associated with a more overtly sexualized image in Hollywood. Monroe's voluptuous figure, blonde hair, and sultry persona have made her a symbol of sex appeal and sensuality. In films like "Some Like It Hot" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," Monroe's characters are often portrayed as seductive and alluring, playing into traditional gender stereotypes.

When viewed through the male gaze, Monroe is objectified and sexualized in a way that emphasizes her physical attributes. The camera often focuses on her curves, her pouty lips, and her breathy voice, framing her as a sex symbol for male viewers to admire. Monroe's characters are often defined by their relationships with men, reinforcing the idea that women exist primarily for male pleasure and validation.

However, when viewed through the female gaze, Monroe's image takes on a different meaning. Instead of being reduced to a mere sex symbol, Monroe is celebrated for her vulnerability, humor, and humanity. Female viewers may empathize with her characters' struggles and insecurities, seeing them as complex and nuanced individuals. The female gaze allows Monroe to be seen as more than just a beautiful object of desire, but as a woman with depth and emotion.

Conclusion

By comparing the attributes of the male gaze and female gaze as applied to Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, we can see how these two actresses have been portrayed and perceived in Hollywood. While both Hepburn and Monroe were major stars of their time, their images were shaped by different ideals of beauty and femininity. The male gaze often reduces women to objects of desire, emphasizing their physical attributes and reinforcing traditional gender roles. In contrast, the female gaze allows women to be seen as complex, empowered individuals with agency and depth. By examining these two perspectives, we can gain a better understanding of how women have been represented in film and how their images have evolved over time.