Richard Dyers star theory

By Sophie Morris
Richard Dyers star theory
Richard Dyers star theory explains that stars are
constructed in many ways to make them more
sellable to the demographic. There are four key areas.
Stars are constructed, artificial images. This also
includes when they are represented as being real.
They are manufactured by the industry and respond to
various elements of a stars personality e.g. Album and
merchandise.
They also represent shared cultural values and they
represent a specific ideology.
They have also become interchangeable.
Ariana Grande
Richard Dyers Star Theory
Ariana Grande is represented
as glamorous through the
costume she is wearing and
the make-up she is denoted
wearing. For example, in many
of her videos e.g. The Way
Break Free and Problem she
isnt seen once in the video
without makeup or in a
costume that makes her look
like she isnt glamorous. This
makes Ariana voyeuristic for
the audience in her music
videos because of how she is
represented in her videos.
This links into Laura Mulveys
male Gaze theory as she is
represented in a voyeuristic
way. Also, the technical codes
used in this video connote
that she is glamorous as well
because the camera lingers on
Ariana when she is in shot
which connotes that she is
desired by the camera and the
majority of the audience
watching the video.
Ariana Grande is also represented as talented as her
body language connotes that she is confident I what she
dies and that the end product is the best that it could
possibly be. Also, in many of her songs e.g. baby, I and
the way shows off Arianas vocal range through the use
of the audio. The technical codes used regularly in her
music video, connote her as being very talented as they
show her in many low angle shots which connote that
she is powerful and therefore meaning that her voice is
powerful.
Intergalactic
Arianas break free video
constructs her to be
intergalactic as she is denoted
to be in another world from
the iconography constructed in
the music video. From the
background there is an instant
connection that she isnt on
earth. This instantaneously
makes the audience wonder
where she actually is and
where the video is set. This
links into Barthes enigma
theory as the audience would
want to find the answer to
their questions throughout the
music video. Also, from the
clothes and makeup she is
wearing this also connotes
that she is represented as
intergalactic because on her
face she has makeup that
makes her look extra-ordinary.
Seductive. Ariana is represented as seductive in all her videos from the iconography as well as the
technical codes denoted throughout all her videos. Ariana is always seen in her videos wearing
revealing clothes, this therefore creates a voyeuristic relationship between her and the male
demographic. This also links in with the male gaze theory by Laura Mulvey as she is objectified.
Also the camera, denotes a lot of close ups of Ariana and many of tem include a direct mode of
address, which entices the male demographic and also could create a diversion in Blumler and
Katz uses and gratifications theory. This all conforms to the hegemonic view of how women are
represented in music videos
Katy Perry
Katy Perry is represented as artistic as
in her This is how we do video, the
first time you see her, she is a piece of
art. This would connote that she is
someone that an audience would pay
to see like people would pay to see art
in a gallery. Thinks links into Barthes
enigma theory as the audience
watching the music video will not know
why she is seen as a piece of artwork
and so they would have to solve their
own questions whilst watching the
music video. The artwork she is
denoted as is stylistic and modern
which would also connote that Katy
Perry is trying to appeal to a modern
demographic which would largely
consume of younger people between
the ages of 16-25.
Richard Dyer star theory
Katy Perry is also represented as glamorous and powerful as she is seen on many occasions in the This is how we do video
in a demanding, Cleopatra style posture. This connotes her as powerful as she is also covering up her mode of address
which therefore also connotes her as mysterious and consequently connotes that she has something to hide which
ultimately makes her more powerful. She is also represented as glamorous from sitting/laying in this position as she can be
viewed in a voyeuristic manner which links into Laura Mulveys Male Gaze theory as the male demographic would take
pleasure in looking at Katy Perry voyeuristically and therefore in the technical codes used throughout the video, Katy Perry
is denoted through the use of camera shots and editing as a desirable woman.
Fun and carefree. Katy Perry can also be viewed and represented through the use
of technical codes as fun and carefree, this would appeal to a younger
demographic as they would aspire to have the lifestyle that she is living. This links
into Maslows hierarchy of needs with self actualization as the audience would
feel the need to be like Katy Perry. This also links into Blumler and Katz uses and
gratification theory with personal identity as the audience may already be able to
identify something within their own life that is the same as Katy Perry. It can also
link into diversion as the audience may way to escape into the fun and carefree
life that Katy Perry is connoted to have constructed in her music video.
Katy Perry is also represented as
versatile. This is done through the use
of the many camera shots denoted
throughout the music video. For
example, Katy Perry is seen
representing many different social
groups and different psychographic
profiles. This has been done to appeal
to a wider demographic and appeal to
many different psychographic profile
as she is connoted to be no different
from them form the looks she is seen
sporting throughout the video. This
would appeal to many ideologies of
these different audience members