Even though all three movies are from 1954, 1993, and 1997 respectively they all still accurately depict how gaze, through the means of technology, may serve as a method for control and power. Moreover, they show how observing and fantasizing through a lens, window or CCTV cameras is not equivalent to real human interaction, desire and experience. In modern dystopian times, something similar to such ‘voyeurism vs flaneur’ theme is ‘celebrity culture’ in which fame is transformed to become the main product brands for ‘we’ the consumers. We observe celebrity lives through a lens and consume their representation in the media. However, such celebrity reputation does not give an accurate idea of the real human behind the celebrity facade. In order for celebrities to get direct agency, celebrity documentaries and social media have been used. Overall, all this evidence shows how these movies were ahead of their time and show an accurate portrayal of the future.
Shreeya Lalit Shrimali UID – 3035842184
It is interesting that you brought up the example of celebrity culture in relation to voyeurism, specifically how they may be represented by media and how they may be taking greater control of their representation through celebrity documentaries and social media. How would you further apply the concept of voyeurism in this example, such as the power relations between the voyeur and the subject, and the type of activities being “gazed”? You also mentioned the idea of product, branding, and consumer. How may this idea of market relations influence the ‘gaze’ in celebrity culture, which may be different from the examples discussed in the essay?