On the Margin of Male Gaze: An Analysis of a Typical Category of Female Supporting Characters in Hitchcock's Works
Abstract
Gender concepts within Alfred Hitchcock's films have long been a focal point of interest for feminist film scholars. This analysis delves into a recurring archetype of young, rejected women in Hitchcock's cinematic works, exemplified by characters like Miriam in Strangers on a Train, Midge in Vertigo, and Danielle in To Catch a Thief. The essay seeks to unravel the underlying gender ideologies associated with these characters. Through this examination, it becomes evident that Hitchcock situates these subversive female figures at the margin of the male gaze, using their misfortunes as a form of retribution for transgressing patriarchal norms. In doing so, male viewers can reaffirm their own gender identity by witnessing the punishment inflicted upon these women. On the one hand, these portrayals serve to reinforce gender stereotypes, perpetuating a well-established pattern that aligns with the collective subconscious of the mainstream male demographic, which fears the prospect of women gaining autonomy or challenging the existed power dynamics. On the other hand, the stark contrast between these marginalized characters and the heroines in Hitchcock's films can inspire alternative perspectives and independent interpretations among different audience segments.
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