The contribution of film and TV to the objectification of women should not be underestimated. From Game of Thrones to The Wolf of Wall Street to Westworld, it’s not difficult to find a film or TV show which features a lot of female nudity.

Sometimes these moments might genuinely be included to further the story or make a point; in season six of Game of Thrones Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys appeared naked and unharmed from a burning building – the producers made the decision to show that Daenerys survived due to her Targaryen blood. Although some criticised the scene, Clarke defended it as being essential. Thandie Newton has also spoken about the nudity in Westworld, saying she felt more empowered when her character was nude than when she was wearing a saloon girl outfit.

But often, scenes featuring female nudity are gratuitous, such as the infamous brothel exposition scene in season one of Game of Thrones.

Given the lack of corresponding male nudity and the fact that these scenes are often from the point of view of the male gaze, these shows and films are instrumental in giving credence to the idea that women’s bodies exist to be looked at by men.

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