Core Response 1

           In the second chapter of Stars, Richard Dyer outlines multiple explanations on stardom given by different theorists. Through this tactic, he can juggle possible answers to his questions without committing fully to anything. These questions include, ‘What is the origin of stardom?’, ‘Why do stars arise?’, and ‘How are they produced?’. Three theses that Dyer provides are the economic thesis, the manipulation thesis, and the magic and talent thesis. In the economic thesis, Hollywood is viewed as a capitalist production system in which stars are created and used as an investment that will provide capital among audiences within the film market. Basically, stars come into being because of capitalism. Dyer ultimately concludes that economics alone cannot explain the phenomenon of the star system since this thesis does not account for the rise and fall of stars, or for films that succeed without the use of stars. In the manipulation thesis, the success of stars is attributed to the enormous effort Hollywood exudes to advertise these actors and actresses. Fashion is one example of this manipulation, which stars may use to upgrade, shake up, or solidify their image. The star phenomenon cannot be seen as sheer manipulation, however, because, for one, not all manipulation works. Many stars have been advertised fully without successfully becoming stars. The magic and talent thesis has a more positive perspective of to the intrinsic value of films. It assumes, as you may imagine from the name, that stars are stars because of their talent and the magic they bring to the screen. Dyers criticism of this is that not all talented actors and actresses become stars and certainly not all stars have talent.

            After critiquing each approach to stardom, Dyer fails to conclude any substantial response. By denying a hard and fast answer to the question he himself lays out, the reader is left to their own conclusion of what plays the largest role given the information and references laid out. All About Eve seems to conclude that stardom arises from magic and talent. Eve was talented enough in her performances and committed enough to becoming famous that she did. As a Hollywood film, it makes sense that the story puts magic and talent first, to upkeep the illusion that such is all it takes. Second to magic and talent, manipulation plays a role. Eve’s endorsement by a powerful theater critique launched her into her fame. It’s funny yet obvious how, as a film created in a capitalist structure, All About Eve denies the economic thesis most of all. Money is hardly mentioned in the story to where the spectator forgets that an actresses main reason for performing is monetary gain. This is tossed aside to leave room for the magic and mystique surrounding the world of the famed.  

Presley Wilson