Heavenly Bodies; Film Stars and Society
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Richard Dyer's classic study of movie stars and stardom has been updated for a second edition, with a new introduction by the author discussing the rise of celebrity culture and developments in the study of stars.
Dyer's illuminating study is based around case studies of three major stars: 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. Dyer discusses Marilyn Monroe in the context of ideas about sexuality in the 1950s and her perceived status as a victim of patriarchy, Robeson in terms of black identity and the ways in which he used his star status to further socialist and anti-racist causes, and Garland in light of her special place in gay male culture.
About the Author
Richard Dyer is Professor of Film Studies at the University of Warwick. He is the author of Now You See It, The Matter of Images, Only Entertainment, The Culture of Queers (all 2002) and White (1997), all published by Routledge.
Heavenly Bodies; Film Stars and Society,Richard Dyer,Routledge,041531027X,1926-1962,Criticism and interpretation,Fame,Film & Video - General,Media Studies - Electronic Media,Monroe, Marilyn,,Motion picture actors and actresses,Motion pictures,Performing Arts,Performing Arts/Dance,Public opinion,Social aspects,Sociology,United States,Films, cinema,Media studies,Popular culture
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