Catwoman

Women within the superhero genre ‘are not actually women but a sexual fantasy projection’. Initially, this does not subvert our expectations as an audience whom are used to understanding that ‘women superheroes traditionally are, or were, simply objects of sexual voyeurism, more pinup girls in capes than genuine characters’. Consequently, as a media literate audience it is clear to see that Catwoman appears on screen to confirm Laura Mulvey’s theory of the ‘male gaze’. As for what Catwoman was critiqued for, focusing to much on the character rather capturing a decent storyline. The character of Catwoman has been existent for several years, she first appeared as ‘the cat’ in DC comics, The Batman series, she was recognized as a character that ‘boys wanted to be with’ and women wanted to be. Her character evolved over time and began appearing on screen when it was recognized that she had a ‘distinct sexual quality’ and ‘in many ways Catwoman was the character most rooted in the world of fetish and sadomasochism’ In 2004’s attempt to continue a legacy Halle Berry appears as Patience Phillips who is reborn and becomes ‘the sexy, sleek and mysterious Catwoman’ who is not ‘contained by the rules of society’ and follows her own desires.