Additional Richard Dyers Theory: Michael Jackson

By Travis Quailey

What is Richard Dyer’s theory?• Richard Dyers exact words were that a star is an image not a real person

and that is what is constructed out of a range of materials such as magazines, posters, films and also music. His theory is basically claiming that icons and celebrities are manufactured by institutions for financial gain. He believes that stars are constructed to represent 'real people' experiencing real emotions. Stars are manufactured by the music industry to serve a purpose which could be to make money out of audience, who respond to various elements of a star’s personality by buying records and becoming fans.

• His theory is spilt into three sections:• Audiences and Institutions • Constitutions• Culture

How does this artist relate to Richard Dyers theory?

• This relates to Michael Jackson because he is simply someone that has lived on for so many years as he has done so much with not only his music but also his dancing, clothing ( single white glove ) and the tip toe pose that he does in near enough every music video. It is even known that more of his music was sold in the week after Michael Jackson died than in the previous ten years. This would completely separate him from being a pop artist to a pop star.

Images based on Michael Jacksons Trends

Reflection

• I will use this research to create my own star image although he is a rap artist I can make his image on posters and his album cover completely independent which will make him a memorable character and always famous by having an animation instead of himself makes him more noticeable in the rap industry. This information has also taught me about famous artists such as Rihanna, Michael Jackson and other pop stars how Richard Dyers theory applies to them and it is beneficial in the production of not only the music video but also how my artist looks as if he was in an image or advert.