Heavenly Bodies: Film Stars and Society FROM THE PUBLISHER
"Richard Dyer's classic and highly influential study of film celebrity has been reissued in this second edition as a testament to the enduring appeal of cinema's major stars." "Focusing on the lives and careers of three of the biggest names in Hollywood history - Marilyn Monroe, Paul Robeson and Judy Garland - he details how their screen image was constructed." Through subtle readings of their films and a wealth of background material, he goes on to survey the development of each star's image in relation to particular social groups. Monroe is discussed in the context of 1950s sexuality and her perceived status as a victim of patriarchy; Robeson in terms of black identity and how he used his status to further anti-racist and socialist causes; and Garland as a gay icon.
SYNOPSIS
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.
Home
