Ricardo Dar n and the Construction of Latin American Film Stardom

This monograph examines the figure of Ricardo Dar n, the leading actor that drives Argentine cinema's box office success. It aims to fill a lacuna in Hispanic and Anglophone academia regarding the study of how Ricardo Dar n's rise to stardom took place and what that stardom means for the Latin American film industry. It examines whether or not Ricardo Dar n embodies the epitome of the contemporary Latin American or Hispanic star and whether or not the characteristics of the Hollywood star system are applicable in the case of Argentine cinema.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Introduction:
Ricardo Dar n,the leading actor that drives Argentine cinema's box office success, is the subject of this monograph. It seeks to fill a void in Hispanic and Anglophone academia regarding the study of how Ricardo Dar n's rise to stardom occurred and what that stardom means for the Latin American film industry. As a result, it investigates whether Ricardo Dar n represents the epitome of the contemporary Latin American or Hispanic star, as well as whether or not the characteristics of the Hollywood star system are actually applicable in the case of Argentine cinema, where the dividing lines between so-called "industrial" and "independent" cinemas are difficult to discern. Thus, while taking the study of this key figure from contemporary Argentine cinema as its focal point, this study will also facilitate an opening up towards broader but equally vital questions that continue to require full examination: How are Argentine, Latin American, and Hispanic stars constructed? Does the leading actor of contemporary Argentine cinema embody a wider social group?
Methodology:
This study employs a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing on critical theory, film studies, and cultural studies to analyze Ricardo Dar n's career. It begins by examining the star persona of Ricardo Dar n, offering the first academic study that analyses the full spectrum of Dar n's works in theatre, film, and television, filling a lacuna both in Hispanic and Anglophone academia. The study then sets out an innovative exploration of Dar n's star construction and cultural significance in connection to the dynamics of the Argentine film industry and the Latin American and Hispanic star stereotypes.
To address currently unanswered questions regarding stardom in Latin America, the study examines the performative features of Dar n's work that define Argentine cinema's contemporary mainstream productions. It also provides accounts of Dar n's influences in the national and international cinema marketplace.
Findings:
The findings of this study suggest that Ricardo Dar n embodies the epitome of the contemporary Latin American or Hispanic star. His rise to stardom took place in the late 1990s, coinciding with the emergence of a new generation of Argentine filmmakers who sought to challenge the traditional Hollywood model of film production. Dar n's performances in films such as "The Secret in Their Eyes" (2009) and "The Official Story" (2010) have been praised for their emotional depth and authenticity, and he has become a symbol of resistance against the dominant cultural norms of Argentina.
Furthermore, the study reveals that the characteristics of the Hollywood star system are not necessarily applicable in the case of Argentine cinema. While the Argentine film industry has been influenced by Hollywood, it has also developed its own unique set of practices and conventions. For example, Argentine films often prioritize the exploration of social and political issues, and the leading actors in these films are often seen as representatives of a wider social group.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this monograph examines the figure of Ricardo Dar n, the leading actor that drives Argentine cinema's box office success. It aims to fill a lacuna both in Hispanic and Anglophone academia regarding the study of how Ricardo Dar n's rise to stardom took place, and what that stardom means for the Latin American film industry. The findings of this study suggest that Ricardo Dar n embodies the epitome of the contemporary Latin American or Hispanic star, and that the characteristics of the Hollywood star system are not necessarily applicable in the case of Argentine cinema. This study provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of stardom in Latin America and the role that leading actors play in shaping the cultural landscape of their respective countries.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474458955