PRETTY WOMAN

Sociology And Pretty Woman

Sociology and Pretty Woman

Introduction

The study is based on the analysis of the popular movie “Pretty Woman”; and narrates the movie to the sociological perceptions, such as social norms, values, roles, behavioral boundaries, social influence and stereotypes.

Discussion

The critical analysis is on the movie “Pretty Women” starring with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, and it is the base on the sociological theories that include functional theory, conflict theory and social-interactive theory about the “male gaze” fetishistic scopophilia, and narcissistic identification. Narcissistic identification is when the character identified, in order to have a satisfying movie experience. Identification, functional theory will state, is similar to the social-interactive theory which shows the idea of the mirror stage. When the film watched, there are possible chances that viewers may miss-identify with the main hero as ourselves in order to be fully engaged in the movie. This is different from narcissistic identification; it has to do with how the camera frames the woman's body as an object.

The woman is no longer a character but a sex symbol. The use of the camera occurs to have control over the image of woman. To see her in parts to sexualize her then is a way in which to control her. This is not a conscious decision made by Hollywood; rather it has to do with the stages explained by sociological theories. The film director's did not plot against women, but subconsciously there is a male need to have power over the image of the woman due to the fear of castration (Doyle, 2008). The functional theory of sociology is very direct in the film “Pretty Women”. The male gaze aspect of functional theory of sociology is the production of sexuality fantasy from the male's point of view in film. Movies made to be watched by males. Edward Lewis, Richard Gere was a wealthy businessman in the movie, who used to travels regularly to Los Angeles, where he stays in a suite at a luxury hotel, the Regent Beverly Wilshire. One night hotel leads to a prostitute, Vivian Ward, Julia Roberts; with the idea to stay only one night. Although Vivian is a bit vulgar, Edward attracted to the innocence of youth and offers a whole week stay with him for $ 3,000. She agrees delighted at the sight of the pay they receive. In the days following, the two will get to know and intimate, discover new facets of their lives and develop feelings. Edward worried that she should correct her view and learn what it takes to behave in society (Henry, 2010). All in all, the hotel manager, Hector Elizondo will be invaluable in helping her friend Vivian and Kit, Laura San Giacomo discover that Vivian feels more than a professional relationship with the executive.

Values, Social Norms and Behavioral Boundaries

From the movie, it can be observed that the men were completely capable of handling themselves at the same time as the women were not capable to sustain themselves without the company of ...