Stars

Richard Dyer

‘stars are commodities that are produced by institutions’

‘A star is a constructed image, represented across a range of media and mediums’

‘Stars represent and embody certain ideologies’

What is a star?

Richard Dyer developed the idea that the viewers perception of a film is heavily influenced by the perception of its stars

He suggests a star is an image not an actually person, and they are constructed by an institution for money. They create a desirable person for a target audience and it is not a true representation of themselves.

4 key components:Stars as constructions Audience and industry/institutionIdeology and cultureCharacter and personality

Dyer says stars are constructions because they are artificial images that have been designed for the audience. Also, they can be copied or parodied because of it representation may be metonymic

He also suggests pop stars have an advantage over film stars, as it is easier for them to create a new identity with their music and outfits they wear on stage.

Stars as constructions

He implies that stars are manufactured to serve a purpose, which is to appeal to the audience. Industries nurture and shape their stars as they believe the audience want a copy.

HegemonyPromote certain ideologyHave powerful influenceMimic stars qualities

Audience and industry/institution

Dyer says stars represent shared cultural values and attitudes as audience sees stars qualities and makes them more desirable so they consume them and their music.

A star also needs to meet the audiences expectations or they will not pay attention to them and consume their music and image.

Ideology and culture

Stars provide audiences with ideas of what people are supposed to be like. For example, Beyonce is successful, kind, a

feminist, body confident and is happily married with a daughter.

He also says these stars create a character based on themselves, so they’re not completely fake.The Paradox- ordinary and extra-ordinaryStars need to be like us but also offer things we

don’t have.

Character and personality

Stars as constructionsJ. Cole can relate to this theory as he has created an

identity for himself. His song demonstrates he changes as a person because he has become so famous, meaning he is not the same person he was before fame. He kept this identity as the audience liked and consumed it, and he became similar to every famous rapper as they all sing about sex and getting drunk and this is what the audience consume.

However, it may not relate as later on in his fame, he sees how he has changed and becomes who he used to be, but becomes more famous

Does this theory apply to my video?

Audience and industryJ. Cole can relate to this as to start his career

off he ends up rapping and looking like every other rapper, as what they rap about appeals to the audience.

J. Cole’s song G.O.M.D will appeal to the audience as it has deep hidden messages within the lyrics and Cole talks about what bothers him, and this is what the audience likes when listening to rap.

Ideology and culture J. Cole will relate to this theory as he believes

in equality which the audience will want and will relate to. His video demonstrates this as he fights for black

people and stops them being slaves for white people, because of this people will consume this music video and also the song with it.

He will also meet audiences expectations as he raps about society and the problems with it which the audience will like to hear

Character and personalityThe audience may consume J. Cole’s character

as he acts like a down to earth person who fights for equality and loves his fans. He and his consumers with have the same beliefs and values which is why they will listen to him.