2. ‘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’
3. 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/institution
Ideology and culture
Character and personality
4. 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.
5. 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.
Hegemony
Promote certain ideology
Have powerful influence
Mimic stars qualities
6. 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.
7. 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-ordinary
Stars need to be like us but also offer things we don’t
have.
8. Stars as constructions
J. 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
9. Audience and industry
J. 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.
10. 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
11. Character and personality
The 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.
