Mary Oates
Comm 478
Blog Revision
The Manic Pixie Dream Girl and the Male Gaze
Film critic Nathan Rabin coined the term Manic Pixie Dream Girl in his review of the
movie Elizabethtown for the AV Club. He uses it to describe the character of Claire, a perky
flight attendant who helps the suicidal protagonist to appreciate life again. Rabin defines the
MPDG as someone who “exists solely in the fevered imaginations of sensitive writer-directors to
teach broodingly soulful young men to embrace life and its infinite mysteries and adventures.”
As soon as she enters the film, the hero becomes so enraptured by her that he nears the point of
obsession.
The MPDG is attractive, quirky, and seemingly without a life of her own. Her only
purpose in the movie to help the hero through whatever problems he is facing, and the viewer
never learns much about her. Because of this, she remains utterly two-dimensional and
unrealistic. What’s important to note is that the MPDG is usually found in movies that are being
told from the point-of view of the male protagonist. The character of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl
does not exist in real life, because she is only possible through the male gaze.
The film (500) Days of Summer perfectly exemplifies Laura Mulvey’s concept of the
male gaze. The movie is shown entirely from the perspective of Tom Hansen. Because of this
narrative frame, the viewer sees the character of Summer Finn as Tom sees her. Tom is
immediately fascinated by Summer and convinced that she’s the only girl for him, despite the
fact that she’s told him that she’s not interested in a relationship. Summer displays many traits
that are typical of the MPDG. Example 1 shows how Summer gets Tom to lighten up and have
some fun as they run through Ikea.
Ex. 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNEkwcY7OI0
