Dyar's Star Image Theory

Dyer's Star Image Theory 

In this post I will be writing about what Dyer's star image theory is and how it originated.

Richard Dyer writes a lot about the role of stars in film, music, TV and music. A star is an image not an actual real person. A star is constructed out of a range of materials like videos, artwork, performances and media appearances. The star image is made up of a range of meanings that attract the target audiences. Richard Dyer suggests three main features that make a start which are; 'the star as a constructing', which are the images of the artists that are shown through advertising, television, magazines that have been created by their management. Another feature is 'the star as a commodity' which is when a star has been constructed by their records label to appeal to their target audiences. In addition to this there is also 'the star as an ideology' which is what the band or artist represents or believe in, with this they can fit the target audience to gain a larger audience. 

Dyer says that the star image in unclear and this is because of the two key paradoxes. The first paradox is when the star is ordinary and extraordinary for the consumer. For example; Beyonce is ordinary in the way of having a family, going shopping and having a daily routine. Where as on the other hand she is extraordinary in the way that she sings, performs and produces her own music. The second paradox is when the star must be present and absent for the consumers. This means that we know what the star is doing from their social media, where as they are also absent meaning we don't know every detail about their private life which gives the star mystery. This means us as consumers will want to keep listening to their music because we will always be interested. 

ORDINARY, ABSENT










EXTRAORDINARY, PRESENT










In conclusion, the incoherence of the star image makes sure that audiences continually strive to 'complete' or 'make sense' of their image. This is only achieved if audiences continue to consume the star through his or her products. The performance of the star is always the promise to complete their image, however it is always unsatisfying which means that fans will keep on consuming the star, in order for them to carry on attempting to complete their image. For example; a star might start a fashion trend as masses of fans may copy their hairstyles or clothing, this helps the star widen their target audience.