Stars

by Richard Dyer, Paul McDonald

Cinema's glamor has always been inseparable from star performances and star images. On its first publication in 1980, this book set new standards for critical and theoretical rigor in the field of star studies. Through the intensive examination of films, magazines, and advertising--as well as critical texts--Richard Dyer analyzes the historical, ideological, and aesthetic significance of stars, changing the way we understand screen icons. Paying particular attention to Marlon Brando, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Jane Fonda, Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Robert Redford, and John Wayne, Stars is an indispensable textbook.

This new edition features a supplementary chapter by Paul McDonald that traces developments in star studies since the first appearance of Richard Dyer's classic study.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, History, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Academic, Theory

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1979

Reviews

[Neve · Rating 4 out of 5]

idk how far i can rate this because i can't say dense media theory is an especially pleasurable read, but i do love this shit. it's very strange to read the full text of something i had summarised for me for a long time in school, and i won't be in a rush to read it again, but it was super super interesting and should be useful for ye olde dissertation.
and i finally read an academic text cover to cover yeet

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always such a joy to read Dyer. Few other film scholars have that very precise combination of theoretical, historical, cultural and aesthetic literacy alongside a deep commitment to progressive politics and thoughtful textual analysis. Truly a giant in the field.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Dyer is one of my favorite "academic" writers because his writing is simultaneously accessible and totally weird. You're guaranteed a unique perspective from him. This is no exception. This is a nontraditional look at the lives of Hollywood stars and the impact of "star culture" on our thinking.

[rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

using this for my thesis which will be in celebrity studies so very useful for that i just think some parts of the theory need to be updated a bit
not a book i read for fun but i mostly enjoy dyer’s work so that made up for it

[prunille ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

pour la fac.
super intéressant

[Melissa Manzo · Rating 2 out of 5]

REALE VOTO SAREBBE 1 STELLA E MEZZO

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly a great reference book for those who want to have a more acadamic look into the world of "Old" Hollywood and how it stands up against the Hollywood we have today. (Which in my opinion, and Mr. Dyer appears to agree with me, pails in comparison)

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really needs no review - it's a seminal work in star studies and must be one of the most quoted film studies books ever. It inspired my own interest in star studies and is incredibly influential in my research.

Another must-read for any film scholars.

[clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

as we get further intertwined with our on a large scale the book is even more applicable to everyone's lives

[Julissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, I love the writing of Richard Dyer and all the research that goes into his books.