star theory-richard dyer
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Star Theory-Richard Dyer](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082908/587d85861a28abcd648b4fa7/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
RICHARD DYER’SSTAR THEORY
Winnie Sunday Dacosta
![Page 2: Star Theory-Richard Dyer](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082908/587d85861a28abcd648b4fa7/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Stars Are Constructed
■A celebrity or ‘star’ is a construction and not a real person. They are different from the real person as the way they behave in private and in the public tend to differ greatly.
■They usually have a USP (Unique Selling Point) which is easily identifiable and allows them to be imitated or parodied. Eg. Michael jackson’s signature dance moves
![Page 3: Star Theory-Richard Dyer](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082908/587d85861a28abcd648b4fa7/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Lady Gaga(Stefani
Germanotta)
■Some stars are constructed as ‘Characters’ that are not designed to resemble ordinary people.
■Their fans identify with these characters more than relate to them.
■For example: Lady gaga is the stage name of a celebrity. Her real name is Stefani Germanotta.
■As ‘Lady Gaga’ she is an outrageously bold artist known for wearing strange outfits whereas in private she most likely wears ‘normal clothes’ instead.
![Page 4: Star Theory-Richard Dyer](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082908/587d85861a28abcd648b4fa7/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Meghan Trainor
■ Stars also tend to represent particular social or cultural groups so that they can relate to them.
■ This is why fans adopt the same ideologies as artists they like and gain an idea of what they're supposed to be like.
■ Eg. Meghan Trainor“No, I wont be no stick-figure silicone Barbie doll”
![Page 5: Star Theory-Richard Dyer](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082908/587d85861a28abcd648b4fa7/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Pop Stars Vs Pop Performers
■There is also a difference between a pop performer and a pop star– Pop performers are as the title suggests; performers of
popular music– Pop stars identities expand beyond their musical ability.
![Page 6: Star Theory-Richard Dyer](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082908/587d85861a28abcd648b4fa7/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Profit-Makers
■Dyer suggested that stars are constructed to make money in the form of CD’s, Posters and merchandise.
■Shows like the X factor and American Idol give an insight into the process of grooming ordinary people into ‘stars’ which supports his theory.
![Page 7: Star Theory-Richard Dyer](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082908/587d85861a28abcd648b4fa7/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Paradox of the Star
The star must be both ordinary and extraordinary■ The star must be ordinary in the
sense that they are similar to their fans, making them relatable
■ Extraordinary in the sense that they are have an extraordinary talent which is what makes them a star.
The star must be both present and absent:■ The star must be present through
their merchandise
■ Absent in the sense that we can have all their merchandise but not them themselves.