The Star ImageRichard Dyer’s Theories and Paradoxes

Richard Dyer Richard Dyer believes that a star is an image which is built by a team of people and can be built up through interviews, ad campaigns and films or music videos and that the star is a ‘product’ that can be sold to the consumers

Stars depend on paparazzi and publicity to keep their image current and to keep the consumer interested them

The star image is incoherent and ‘mysterious’, so audiences continually try to ‘complete’ or ‘make sense’ of the image which helps sell more products (e.g. music videos, CDs, TV interviews, concert tickets etc.)

The ParadoxesParadox 1

The star must be simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary for the consumer

Paradox 2

The star must be simultaneously present and absent for the consumer

Paradox 1The star must be

simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary for the consumer

Paparazzi helps the consumer accept that these are ordinary

people who have incredible talent

Lady Gaga

Paradox 1

Taylor Swift Zac EfronPaparazzi presents an ‘everyday’ persona which contrasts heavily to the

clean, polished looks to the red carpet and their performances: it helps the consumer identify with the stars.

Paradox 2The star must be

simultaneously present and absent for the consumer

Even though the consumer can see the star at public

appearances, they don’t get to touch or interact with the star

Cheryl Cole at her book signing in Waterstones

Paradox 2

Justin Bieber at a meet and greetKaty Perry at one of her concerts