Title: American Pie: Girls Rule
Released: October 6, 2020
Produced by: Mike Elliott
Access on: Netflix
Netflix Summary: Four tight-knit high school seniors vow to turn their love lives around by homecoming when the arrival of a new student muddles their plans.
Gaze Theory: This film is a great example of teens who are sexualized. The entire movie is based around four girl friends making a pact to have sex by prom night. Although there are no specific scenes where the female characters are objectified, the audience does see many instances where the girls are overly sexual and sexualized. First, Stephanie is objectified by the principal. He always tries to flirt with her and when she pretends to be interested he takes the bait. Not only is this an example of sexualization, it is also an example of pedophilia and the objectification of young girls by older men. The girls are also often shown in skimpy outfits. In the opening scene of the movie, Annie is shown in lingerie. This theme continues throughout the film further insinuating the sexual nature of the teenage girls. In a sense, the movie makes it appear as if the girls are sexualizing themselves. Michelle is constantly talking about pleasuring herself and using sex toys. Kayla, is depicted as a promiscuous girl who has no strings attached sex with her ex-boyfriend. All of these aspects put together are what creates a theme of sexualization throughout the movie.
Effects: Although this film does not have any true examples of gaze theory, it is an example of a film that overly sexualizes women who are playing young girls. These characters are supposed to be around 17-years-old but are depicted as extremely sexual. All they talk about is sex and who they want to have sex with. The film ends with each girl ending up with the guy they were meant to be with and then having sex with them. The message that is conveyed to young girls who may be watching this film is not a good one. It seems that the main conversation among teenage girls is boys and also having sex when in reality it is very normal for teenagers to not be having sex. In addition, the “happy ending’ is each girl falling in love and having sex. This supports the idea that the only way for young girls to succeed is to find a male partner who fulfills their happiness with sex.
Shared by: Olivia Smidel
Image Credit: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11771594/