Title: #REALITYHIGH
Released: September 8, 2017
Produced by: Fernando Lebrija
Access on: Netflix
Netflix Summary: When nerdy high schooler Dani finally attracts the interest of her longtime crush, she lands in the cross hairs of his ex, a social media celebrity.
Gaze Theory: This film did not have many examples of gaze theory. However, there are a few scenes in which women are placed as objects of the male gaze by the male characters. First, one of the very opening scenes gives a tour of the high school campus. The audience is brought to the football field where the cheerleading team is seen doing stretches. Two male students stand at the stadium’s edge watching the girls and making sexual comments. One of the boys even pats the other on the back stating how it couldn’t get much better than this. Although this is not textbook gaze theory, it does exemplify the male gaze in everyday life. Women are often the object of the male gaze and are forced to behave a certain way in order to satisfy the male gaze. The two boys watching the cheerleaders were participating in both sexualizing and objectifying the girl students as sex objects.
Sex Role Theory: This film has a very unique character. Dani spends her time volunteering at the neighborhood vet clinic. Her boss, Dr. Fiona, is a very successful woman as the lead veterinarian at this clinic. This contradicts normal sex roles as well as stereotypes. She is independent, a leader, and assertive. In addition she is single and is very open about her dating life. In many scenes she is shown scrolling through dating apps critiquing men. Being so open and remaining unembarrassed about being single is another contradiction of normal stereotypes. Often women are meant to be sad and embarrassed if they are single; however, Dr. Fiona is very comfortable with this and her sexuality.
Effects: This film does not contain many instances of gaze theory but it does offer some unique and important conversations surrounding gender. Dr. Fiona is a good example of a successful, older woman who is single. This illustrates to young girls that love is not everything. It is okay to have other interests than simply finding a male partner. In addition, because there are not many scenes that incorporate gaze theory, there is less sexualization and objectification throughout the film. This is positive because it shows teenage girls that they are more than just their body.
Shared by: Olivia Smidel
Image Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_High