Revisiting Star Studies: Cultures, Themes and Methods

Classical Hollywood stardom is not the only model for film stars, and their roles and functions vary greatly in non-Hollywood contexts. Recent developments in star studies have challenged traditional notions of image, performance, bodies, voices, and fans, and have opened up new avenues for research. This diverse and dynamic collection offers case studies of stars from many different cultures, revisiting the definitions and origins of star studies and pointing the way forward to new ways of approaching the field.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2018
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Classical Hollywood stardom has long been considered the pinnacle of film star status, but recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in non-Hollywood contexts, such as Bollywood, East Asia, and Latin America. This diverse and dynamic collection of new research on star studies challenges the received wisdom on the subject and raises important questions about image, performance, bodies, voices, and fans in cultures across the globe.

One of the key themes of the collection is the impact of globalization on film stardom. As the world becomes more interconnected, film stars are able to reach a wider audience than ever before, and their careers can span multiple countries and languages. This has led to the emergence of new star systems, such as the Bollywood industry, which has produced some of the most successful and iconic stars in the world.

However, globalization has also brought with it new challenges for film stars. For example, the rise of social media has made it easier for fans to connect with their favorite stars, but it has also led to increased scrutiny and criticism of their personal lives. This has led to a greater emphasis on image management and the creation of a public persona, which can be difficult for stars to maintain.

Another theme of the collection is the role of performance in film stardom. Stars are required to perform on a high level, and their performances can have a significant impact on the success of a film. However, the definition of performance has changed over time, and stars are now expected to be more versatile and adaptable than ever before. This has led to the emergence of new genres, such as the superhero film, which require stars to perform a wide range of physical and emotional stunts.

Bodies are also a significant aspect of film stardom. Stars are often judged based on their physical appearance, and their bodies can be a source of both pride and insecurity. The collection explores the ways in which stars use their bodies to create a public image, and the impact that this has on their personal lives.

Voices are also an important aspect of film stardom. Stars are often required to speak in a variety of languages, and their voices can be a source of both cultural pride and cultural appropriation. The collection explores the ways in which stars use their voices to create a public image, and the impact that this has on their personal lives.

Fans are also a significant aspect of film stardom. Fans are often passionate and dedicated to their favorite stars, and their support can have a significant impact on the success of a film. The collection explores the ways in which fans interact with their favorite stars, and the impact that this has on their personal lives.

In recent years, there have been several new developments in film stardom. For example, the rise of streaming services has made it easier for fans to access films, and this has led to the emergence of new star systems, such as the Netflix star system. This system has allowed stars to create their own content, and has led to the emergence of new genres, such as the comedy-drama.

However, streaming services have also brought with them new challenges for film stars. For example, the competition for attention is greater than ever before, and stars are required to work harder than ever before to maintain their popularity. This has led to a greater emphasis on self-promotion and the creation of a public persona, which can be difficult for stars to maintain.

Another new development in film stardom is the rise of social justice and activism. Stars are increasingly using their platform to speak out on social issues, and this has led to a greater awareness of the importance of representation in the media. This has led to the emergence of new genres, such as the Black Lives Matter film, which has been praised for its portrayal of the Black experience.

In conclusion, classical Hollywood stardom has long been considered the pinnacle of film star status, but recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in non-Hollywood contexts. This diverse and dynamic collection of new research on star studies challenges the received wisdom on the subject and raises important questions about image, performance, bodies, voices, and fans in cultures across the globe. By exploring the impact of globalization, performance, bodies, voices, and fans, the collection provides a fresh perspective on the field of star studies and points the way forward to new ways of approaching the field.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474440974