research: star theory

Richard Dyer star theory

Stars as constructions

Dyer proposes that: 

“A star is an image not a real person that is constructed (as any other aspect of fiction is) out of a range of materials (eg advertising, magazines etc as well as films [music]).”

This means that a star is an artificial image representing a ‘real person’ and ‘real emotions’. They are constructed and manufactured by institutions by using a range of different materials, such as advertising, magazines etc. it helps if the star has a usp or recognisable image that can be copied or parodied such as Bowies lightning strike make up or Elvis’s hair.

Paradoxes

There are two paradoxes in dyers theory:

1)“ a star is both ordinary and extraordinary.”

Dyer says that a star must be represented as normal just like us (ordinary). However, at the same time they need to have something that we don’t have, something that makes them talented and special (extraordinary) which separates them from us.

2)“a star is both present and absent.”

Dyer also suggested that the star is always present in our lives in conversations, styles or even habits. Nonetheless, they are also absent as they are something we think to be too good and out of reach. 

How the theory will inform my practice 
I will present my star as both ordinary and extraordinary. Ordinary in the sense that they are in casual clothing and they are just a couple of friends that have made it big due to their talent. Extraordinary in the sense that they are very talented and they have mastered their instruments and this separates us from them.