Are women in action movies represented as empowered female role models or as sex objects?

Females in action movies are being represented as independent, tough and empowered women in control, however only to an extent. Although women are shown to be active within society in action movies, they are still being portrayed as sex objects, who are the “subject of male gaze”. Contemporary movies such as “Wanted” (2008) directed by Timur Bekmambetov, reflects the growth “in the presence and influence of women in media” as the protagonist Fox is played by a well known female actor Angelina Jolie, who is well known for her empowering roles in action movies. Historically action movies are well known for being male dominated, however “as times have changed so have women’s roles in society”, resulting in the role they play in movies.