Sunday, 3 July 2011

Richard Dyer - Star Theory


Stars Which Are Constructed
  • Constructed, artificial images - advertising, magazines, films and music. A Unique Selling Point which makes them different from other stars.
  • Record companies create a stars image (artificial constructions) - We tend to have more respect for them if they present/create their own image themselves.
  • We want to believe that stars show their real emotions to us.
Audiences
  • Stars - manufactured to make money from audience for record labels.
  • X Factor -  Stars which are replicated, X Factor repeatedly churns out what they think we want
  • Whole markets of audience who want something different - record labels have to cater to these different audiences - Mirror branding - e.g. Rage Against The Machine & Joe McElderry - both part of the same record company (Sony Music).
Ideology
  •  Cultural values and attitudes - audiences may share these beliefs - e.g. The Jonas Brothers - wearing of purity rings
  • A star may influence/create a fashion trend/hairstyle/clothing/copied by audience
  • Forms of media dedicated to celebrity gossip where fans can catch up with the lives of favourite stars.
Character
  • Presented as 'real' human beings
  • Stars are representations of the contradictions/reinforced ideas of the music industry.
  • When we see a star's life in magazines - we feel closer to them - e.g. Britney Spears' troubled few years - breakdowns.

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