Sexualisation of Women
Women have been sexualised in the media for a long time and it is possible to argue that this has increased recently because of the relaxation of censorship and wider range of media outlets. Conflicting with this there are also a number of examples of media texts that have lowered the amount of sexualisation, providing an alternative representation for women which portrays them as strong and independent, rather then as objects.
In the first adaptation of Sherlock that I am looking at ('Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror') the lead female, Kitty is particularly sexualised. She is made to look sexy and glamorous through her make up, hairstyle and outfit providing a gaze for the male spectator in both film (as we see Mead overtly staring at her figure) and the outside audience. This sort of sexualisation was deemed acceptable at the time because women were not necessarily thought of equals but as a mans accessory, an object for there pleasure. Even women that didn't agree with this kind of exploitation didn't have control over it because of the lack of equality. Furthermore the producers and so on were all male and so they had the power to create the representation of women how they liked.
Looking at the 1979 remake, 'Murder by Decree', it is clear that women were still predominantly being sexualised. For example there are shots of women selling themselves on the streets as a way of earning money, giving the impression that they're only use is for sex. Even though this is the predominant portrayal of women in the film, male characters are shown calling them 'sluts' and 'whores' implying that expression of female sexuality is not well received. The 70's was a period of sexual revolution where people were beginning to accept that female sexuality is a thing, therefore the shaming of female sexuality is probably a representation of the Victorian period.
In 'Sherlock Holmes' (2009) objectification of women is still present and possibly even more so than the earlier films. Irene Adler is particularly portrayed in a voyeuristic manner, wearing red lipstick and having her breasts on display. It seems as though she is using her sexuality to gain Holmes' attention, giving the impression her key attribute is her appearance, particularly her figure. She is also often seen wearing pink and red dresses which connotate lust and love, suggesting that her main role in the film is to provide a gaze. The increase in women being sexualised in this film could be a result of the more open discourse surrounding sex in this period. It also appears to be a more up to date version of gender inequality in the media. Another example of how Adler is sexualised is in the scene where she drops her towel in front of Holmes and the camera focuses on her back and bum. This is something that she could have done behind the dresser however the producers appear to have purposefully included it to objectify her. It also suggests that the only power she has over Holmes', a man, is her body and appearance. This implies that her figure is the only important part of her. In relation to context this could be because of the relaxation of censorship which has made nudity less of an issue. An exception to the objectification of only females is in the scene where Adler drugs Holmes and ties him to the bed naked. Here the roles have been reversed and it is the man's sexuality that is being exposed. This is probably included for humour more than anything else however it is refreshing to see a male being objectified as well.
When looking at the UK TV remake 'Sherlock' (2010) it is very difficult to spot sexualisation of women. Firstly there aren't very many female characters and some of those shown are fairly old and less likely to be objectified, as the media predominantly sexualise younger women. The younger women within the episode appear to portray real women, being different sizes, ethicities and so on. Their figures aren't focused on by the cameras and they aren't overly glamourised. It is likely that feminist movements and protests about the sexualisation on women in the media have had an impact on the production of the show. The equality between the genders also means that female producers had a say in the way women were represented, making their portrayal more fair and realistic.
Elementary (2012) is very similar to Sherlock in regards to the sexualisation of women, with little noticeably taking place. Although Joan Watson (the female lead) is pretty, her body is never on display and she is respected by all of the other characters. This could be because traditionally her character is supposed to be played by a male and so it is expected that Watson would receive respect. However the general improvement in the treatment of women is probably a big influence in her not being objectified. In saying this there is also potential to argue that there are still some cases of objectification, for example at the beginning of the episode when Watson finds a woman leaving Holmes' apartment. Holmes explains to Watson that he finds sex repellent but requires it to perform at optimum levels, he is therefore objectifying the woman for his primal needs. There is nothing to suggest however that the woman isn't doing the same with Holmes, therefore it appears to be a modern take on sexual relationships rather than sexualisation of the female body, particularly since there are no shots of the pair having sex.
In the first adaptation of Sherlock that I am looking at ('Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror') the lead female, Kitty is particularly sexualised. She is made to look sexy and glamorous through her make up, hairstyle and outfit providing a gaze for the male spectator in both film (as we see Mead overtly staring at her figure) and the outside audience. This sort of sexualisation was deemed acceptable at the time because women were not necessarily thought of equals but as a mans accessory, an object for there pleasure. Even women that didn't agree with this kind of exploitation didn't have control over it because of the lack of equality. Furthermore the producers and so on were all male and so they had the power to create the representation of women how they liked.
Looking at the 1979 remake, 'Murder by Decree', it is clear that women were still predominantly being sexualised. For example there are shots of women selling themselves on the streets as a way of earning money, giving the impression that they're only use is for sex. Even though this is the predominant portrayal of women in the film, male characters are shown calling them 'sluts' and 'whores' implying that expression of female sexuality is not well received. The 70's was a period of sexual revolution where people were beginning to accept that female sexuality is a thing, therefore the shaming of female sexuality is probably a representation of the Victorian period.
In 'Sherlock Holmes' (2009) objectification of women is still present and possibly even more so than the earlier films. Irene Adler is particularly portrayed in a voyeuristic manner, wearing red lipstick and having her breasts on display. It seems as though she is using her sexuality to gain Holmes' attention, giving the impression her key attribute is her appearance, particularly her figure. She is also often seen wearing pink and red dresses which connotate lust and love, suggesting that her main role in the film is to provide a gaze. The increase in women being sexualised in this film could be a result of the more open discourse surrounding sex in this period. It also appears to be a more up to date version of gender inequality in the media. Another example of how Adler is sexualised is in the scene where she drops her towel in front of Holmes and the camera focuses on her back and bum. This is something that she could have done behind the dresser however the producers appear to have purposefully included it to objectify her. It also suggests that the only power she has over Holmes', a man, is her body and appearance. This implies that her figure is the only important part of her. In relation to context this could be because of the relaxation of censorship which has made nudity less of an issue. An exception to the objectification of only females is in the scene where Adler drugs Holmes and ties him to the bed naked. Here the roles have been reversed and it is the man's sexuality that is being exposed. This is probably included for humour more than anything else however it is refreshing to see a male being objectified as well.
When looking at the UK TV remake 'Sherlock' (2010) it is very difficult to spot sexualisation of women. Firstly there aren't very many female characters and some of those shown are fairly old and less likely to be objectified, as the media predominantly sexualise younger women. The younger women within the episode appear to portray real women, being different sizes, ethicities and so on. Their figures aren't focused on by the cameras and they aren't overly glamourised. It is likely that feminist movements and protests about the sexualisation on women in the media have had an impact on the production of the show. The equality between the genders also means that female producers had a say in the way women were represented, making their portrayal more fair and realistic.
Elementary (2012) is very similar to Sherlock in regards to the sexualisation of women, with little noticeably taking place. Although Joan Watson (the female lead) is pretty, her body is never on display and she is respected by all of the other characters. This could be because traditionally her character is supposed to be played by a male and so it is expected that Watson would receive respect. However the general improvement in the treatment of women is probably a big influence in her not being objectified. In saying this there is also potential to argue that there are still some cases of objectification, for example at the beginning of the episode when Watson finds a woman leaving Holmes' apartment. Holmes explains to Watson that he finds sex repellent but requires it to perform at optimum levels, he is therefore objectifying the woman for his primal needs. There is nothing to suggest however that the woman isn't doing the same with Holmes, therefore it appears to be a modern take on sexual relationships rather than sexualisation of the female body, particularly since there are no shots of the pair having sex.
Portrayal of Homosexual Relationships
Although heterosexual relationships have been portrayed in media texts for a long time, homosexual relationships have had little representation in the past. In more recent texts this has changed however the representation is often unrealistic and frequently stereotypical.
In 'Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror' there are no homosexual relationships portrayed. This is likely due to homosexuality not being accepted at the time, with many being involuntarily committed to psychiatric facilities as it was considered a 'sexual illness'. In addition to this the idea of homosexuality was not fully understood by many and so a portrayal of a gay relationship would probably shock the mass audience. This is the same in Murder by Decree where although there was a sexual revolution in motion at the time, the majority of society did not welcome homosexuality and it would generally be received with harassment. Furthermore the film was set in 1888 and therefore relationships of this kind would not be open and shared.
Even though the 2009 'Sherlock Holmes' film is set in the Victorian era there are far more references to homosexuality than in the previous two examples. In one scene Watson declares to Holmes 'If I was to go to the country it would be with my future wife', to which Holmes responds with 'well if we must have her along'. This suggests that Holmes sees himself as a part in Watson and Mary's relationship and is not afraid to suggest this. Although it is made to be humourous it outlines how a relationship between a man and another man is no longer thought to be absurd. This is because of the gay rights movements that have taken place since the 80's which have helped to normalise homosexuality. Later in the film, when Adler is in danger and needs saving, Holmes quickly thinks of a plan involving the use of a belt. He lifts up Watson's jacket and removes his belt and whilst doing so says to him 'don't get excited'. Again although this is meant for humour, it hints at a gay experience, something that wouldn't have been welcomed in earlier adaptations. This highlights the progress that has been made towards the gay rights movement, making gay community more included in media texts. Although it is worth noting that there are still no real homosexual relationships within the film and so it cannot be merited as a portrayal of a homosexual relationship.
In Sherlock the TV series there is also discussion of homosexuality but no real portrayal. Shortly after meeting Holmes and Watson have a conversation about relationships, Holmes says 'girlfriends aren't really my area', in response Watson says 'oh really, do you have a boyfriend.. which is fine' to which Holmes replies with 'I know its fine' so Watson asks again 'so you've got a boyfriend' and Holmes clarifies 'no'. This sequence of exchanges highlights how there's more of a discourse about homosexuality now and the fact that they're clarifying that it's fine to be gay shows that society is more accepting towards it now. Another possible example is Holmes' brother whose actions and speech hint that he could be gay however in this episode there are no interactions that clarify this.
In 'Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror' there are no homosexual relationships portrayed. This is likely due to homosexuality not being accepted at the time, with many being involuntarily committed to psychiatric facilities as it was considered a 'sexual illness'. In addition to this the idea of homosexuality was not fully understood by many and so a portrayal of a gay relationship would probably shock the mass audience. This is the same in Murder by Decree where although there was a sexual revolution in motion at the time, the majority of society did not welcome homosexuality and it would generally be received with harassment. Furthermore the film was set in 1888 and therefore relationships of this kind would not be open and shared.
Even though the 2009 'Sherlock Holmes' film is set in the Victorian era there are far more references to homosexuality than in the previous two examples. In one scene Watson declares to Holmes 'If I was to go to the country it would be with my future wife', to which Holmes responds with 'well if we must have her along'. This suggests that Holmes sees himself as a part in Watson and Mary's relationship and is not afraid to suggest this. Although it is made to be humourous it outlines how a relationship between a man and another man is no longer thought to be absurd. This is because of the gay rights movements that have taken place since the 80's which have helped to normalise homosexuality. Later in the film, when Adler is in danger and needs saving, Holmes quickly thinks of a plan involving the use of a belt. He lifts up Watson's jacket and removes his belt and whilst doing so says to him 'don't get excited'. Again although this is meant for humour, it hints at a gay experience, something that wouldn't have been welcomed in earlier adaptations. This highlights the progress that has been made towards the gay rights movement, making gay community more included in media texts. Although it is worth noting that there are still no real homosexual relationships within the film and so it cannot be merited as a portrayal of a homosexual relationship.
In Sherlock the TV series there is also discussion of homosexuality but no real portrayal. Shortly after meeting Holmes and Watson have a conversation about relationships, Holmes says 'girlfriends aren't really my area', in response Watson says 'oh really, do you have a boyfriend.. which is fine' to which Holmes replies with 'I know its fine' so Watson asks again 'so you've got a boyfriend' and Holmes clarifies 'no'. This sequence of exchanges highlights how there's more of a discourse about homosexuality now and the fact that they're clarifying that it's fine to be gay shows that society is more accepting towards it now. Another possible example is Holmes' brother whose actions and speech hint that he could be gay however in this episode there are no interactions that clarify this.
In Elementary there are very few suggestions towards homosexuality despite it being very modern. This could be because of the cultural context of it being set in America where it is possible homosexuality is not as accepted yet or it may be that this particular episode simply exhibits very few relationships all together due to it being the pilot episode.
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