Lacan's theory of the mirror stage is based around t=an infants fascination
with its own image in a mirror. When an infant is younger than 12 months, it
does not recognise the image of the mirror is itself, much like many animals.
As the infant grows slightly older (around 12-15 months) it recognises that it
is its own self in the mirror.
Lacan theorised that the infant develops a rivalry with its own reflection,
seeing it as a whole human, where as the infant itself is still undeveloped -
fragmented in ways the reflection is whole. He theorised further, the only way
the infant resolves its resentment towards the image is to identify and become
one with it.
This theory is applied to film in that women are exposed to women in an idealised
way "perfect women" for men. The female moviegoers internalise the
distorted representation of women as an ideal they should strive towards and
become one with, like the infant.
This theory corresponds with the "male gaze" theory, as the idea of
a perfect woman in film caters to male filmgoers expectations and is catered
toward them.
