The Green Mile - Male Gaze vs. The Shawshank Redemption - Male Gaze

Attribute	The Green Mile - Male Gaze	The Shawshank Redemption - Male Gaze
Main Characters	John Coffey, Paul Edgecomb	Andy Dufresne, Ellis "Red" Redding
Setting	Prison in the 1930s	Prison in the 1940s
Director	Frank Darabont	Frank Darabont
Themes	Injustice, redemption, supernatural	Injustice, hope, friendship

Introduction

When it comes to classic films set in a prison environment, two movies that often come to mind are The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption. Both films have garnered critical acclaim and have a dedicated fan base. However, one aspect that is often overlooked in discussions about these films is the concept of the male gaze. In this article, we will explore how the male gaze is portrayed in The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption, and how it impacts the overall narrative and character development in each film.

Male Gaze in The Green Mile

In The Green Mile, directed by Frank Darabont and based on the novel by Stephen King, the male gaze is prevalent throughout the film. The story follows a group of prison guards, led by Paul Edgecomb, as they oversee death row inmates in a Southern prison in the 1930s. One of the key aspects of the male gaze in The Green Mile is the way in which the female characters are portrayed. The female characters in the film are often depicted as objects of desire or as victims, serving to further the development of the male characters.

For example, the character of Percy Wetmore, a sadistic prison guard, is shown to have a particular interest in the female characters in the film. He is often seen leering at them or making inappropriate comments, which serves to establish him as a villainous character. Additionally, the female characters in The Green Mile are often portrayed as helpless or in need of rescue, further reinforcing the idea of the male characters as saviors or protectors.

Furthermore, the male gaze in The Green Mile is also evident in the way in which the camera lingers on the bodies of the female characters. There are several scenes in the film where the camera focuses on the curves and physical attributes of the female characters, emphasizing their sexuality and desirability. This serves to objectify the female characters and reinforce the idea of the male characters as the dominant figures in the narrative.

Male Gaze in The Shawshank Redemption

In contrast to The Green Mile, The Shawshank Redemption, also directed by Frank Darabont, presents a different portrayal of the male gaze. The film follows the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank State Penitentiary. Throughout the film, the male gaze is used to highlight the power dynamics between the male characters and to explore themes of friendship and redemption.

One of the key differences in the male gaze in The Shawshank Redemption is the absence of overt sexualization of the female characters. Unlike The Green Mile, where the female characters are often objectified or portrayed as victims, the female characters in The Shawshank Redemption are given more agency and are not solely defined by their relationships with the male characters. For example, the character of Andy's wife, who plays a significant role in the film, is portrayed as a complex and independent character with her own motivations and desires.

Furthermore, the male gaze in The Shawshank Redemption is used to explore themes of friendship and camaraderie among the male characters. The bond between Andy and his fellow inmate, Red, is central to the film's narrative, and the male gaze is often used to highlight the emotional connection between the two characters. Through their interactions and shared experiences, the film challenges traditional notions of masculinity and explores the importance of vulnerability and emotional intimacy.

Impact on Narrative and Character Development

The portrayal of the male gaze in The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption has a significant impact on the overall narrative and character development in each film. In The Green Mile, the male gaze serves to reinforce traditional gender roles and power dynamics, with the male characters being positioned as the dominant figures in the story. This can be seen in the way in which the female characters are objectified and portrayed as victims, serving to further the development of the male characters.

On the other hand, The Shawshank Redemption presents a more nuanced portrayal of the male gaze, using it to explore themes of friendship, redemption, and emotional intimacy among the male characters. The absence of overt sexualization of the female characters allows for a more complex and multifaceted portrayal of masculinity, challenging traditional notions of power and dominance.

Overall, while both The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption are classic films set in a prison environment, they offer contrasting portrayals of the male gaze. The Green Mile reinforces traditional gender roles and power dynamics, while The Shawshank Redemption challenges these notions and explores themes of friendship and emotional connection among the male characters.