To understand the magnitude of the current shift, one must first understand the historical context. In the classic studio system, the "male gaze" dictated the camera’s perspective. Women were objects of desire, and desire was inextricably linked to youth. This created a bizarre double standard famously highlighted by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who revealed she was once told at age 37 that she was "too old" to play the love interest of a man who was 55.
Perhaps the most radical change is happening in the multiplex. The action genre, historically a men-only club for under-35s, has been invaded by mature women with vengeance on their minds. MILFs.Like.It.Black.1.2011