Execise 12.1: Analysing Tomb Raider

Through the use of media language we can clearly see the ways in which both men and women are portrayed in Tomb Raider.

Firstly by analysing Lara Croft dress sense we can clearly see that she is a character being objectified as she is wearing tight fitted clothing showing of her figure and shorts that show of her legs therefore being subjected to the 'male gaze' according to Mulvey.

Secondly in a scene the media language shows the film from a male perspective using shot reverse shot where we are put in his (Daniel Craig) position and see what he is seeing therefore once again portraying Lara as a sex object

However even though Lara Croft is seen as a sex object she is playing a very powerful role and is therefore seen as an active female and can be seen to an extent as a good role model. This is illustrated through the use of a gun which can be portrayed as a phallic symbol showing her to have all the power over males.

In Tomb Raider there is also a female gaze. This can be seen when Daniel Craig comes out of the shower and to an extent he is also being objectified by females. Another aspect of the female is gaze in Tomb Raider is when a low angle shot is used on Lara Croft. This shows in a womens point of view the fact that females desire to be like Lara Croft and portrays Lara to be fetishistic.