Heavenly Bodies: Film Stars and Society

by Richard Dyer

Richard Dyer's classic study of movie stars and stardom has been updated, with a new introduction by the author discussing the rise of celebrity culture and developments in the study of stars since publication of the first edition in 1986.

Dyer's illuminating study is based around case studies of three major Marilyn Monroe, Paul Robeson and Judy Garland. He draws on a wide range of sources, including the films in which each star appeared, to illustrate how each star's persona was constructed, and goes on to examine each within the context of particular issues in fan culture and stardom. Students of film and cultural studies will find this an invaluable part of there course reading.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, History, Theory, Cultural Studies, Media Tie In, Biography

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1986

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a decent but obvious chapter on Marilyn Monroe’s overt sexuality in the 50’s and a slightly more interesting chapter on Paul Robeson’s different relationships to black and white audiences (more interesting if only because he’s a performer who’s stayed less in the public consciousness), this book culminates with an incredibly fascinating chapter determining why Judy Garland is so darn appealing to gay men. This may have drawn me in so much because it’s something I think about, admittedly, a fair amount. According to the writer, who also seems to have given this a lot of thought, it comes down to her normalcy (being cast as a regular gal next door who happens to have an amazing power inside her), androgyny (come to think of it, she was dressed as a man a lot), and camp value (underlining and commenting on jokes in the story, even at her own expense). It all checks out. If so inclined, I strongly recommend that final chapter.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monroe. Robeson. Garland.

Each section was well-written and researched. I particularly enjoyed Marilyn's chapter the most and even became emotional at certain quotes. Paul's chapter reminded me of the general erasure of his life and career from the mainstream. He should be mentioned alongside the entertainers of his time and it should never be forgotten what was done to him for proudly and loudly believing in liberation. Judy's chapter was interesting because one could argue that she was one of, if not, the first gay icon. I didn't realize the strength of the connection that gay men had to her Dorothy character in particular. I loved the letters from fans who described their relationship with her public image and the characters she portrayed. May they all rest in peace.

Dyer did it again.

[Nicole Aroca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very interesting how dyer gives us this analysis of three important figures of the old hollywood, I like very much that it is an objective analysis and enters very well in the mind of how Monroe, Garland and Robenson from the point of the media, the sexuality and what they repressed in the society for the public.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an easy read

This is a very academic look at three stars, Marilyn Monroe, Paul Robeson, and Judy Garland and how they were stars, what being a star meant. Monroe's sexuality, Robeson's race and Garland's popularity among gay men are discussed and dissected.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Richard Dyer. 💜

[Julissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for film students and does a great job at studying how bodies are used on film.

[Winnie Lyon · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is incredibly dense and takes a lot of time to really absorb, but worth a read if this specific niche appeals to you

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

In heavy academic jargon, Dyer offers analysis on three icons’ media created images. Their talent, in this analysis, is secondary to their images. I found the Monroe chapter the lesser of the three. The Garland chapter was the best in how Dyer explores how her later successes and failures and their portrayals in the media shaped how filmgoers view even the MGM films, the ones who came before she became a gay icon. If you are a fan of any of these three starts, you will find some smart analysis among the sometimes very dense prose.

[Rebecca Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapter on Garland is tremendously interesting. The least compelling part of Dyer's argument is the analysis of Paul Robeson, though it is informative. That chapter seems to lack the personal, emotional intensity that comes through elsewhere, especially in the chapter on Garland. The first chapter, on Monroe, is ok, but it's here that the book shows its age--I found the treatment rather one-dimensional.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say it so constantly that it has come to feel like a kind of refrain: every time I feel like I have something novel or interesting to say about film I open up a book by Richard Dyer and discover that not only has he struck upon the same insight, but considered it with an intellectual dexterity and sensitivity far beyond my own capabilities. This remains my favorite of his dizzyingly extensive body of scholarship; the chapter "Judy Garland and Gay Men" in particular is absolutely essential.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Dyer's follow up to his first book on the Hollywood stars. Unlike his first text which is more theoretically based, in this volume Dyer examines three stars: Marilyn Monroe, Paul Robeson, and Judy Garland. By closely examining each of these individuals Dyer is able to show the star system functions as both a means of entertainment and consumeristic ideology.

[Elizabeth Lund]

Interesting chapters on Monroe and Garland. Did not feel dated in spite of being almost 30 years old.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The influence of this book on star studies cannot be over-emphasised. I loved the in-depth analysis of Judy Garland and my academic crush on Richard Dyer just got a little bit worse...in a good way.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

God, this book is so amazing. The 'seminal' book on star image and stardom. Granted it's really academic-y, so not for the faint of heart. I just love Dyer so much.

[LOL_BOOKS]

WHAT BOOKS HAVE YOU BEEN READING THESE DAYS?