Celebrity Culture: Lecture Notes

Photos of 'celebrities' has existed since the advent of photography:

 Contemporary cinema still references the beginnings of cinematography (The Artist, 2011). This film is about the rise and fall of fame and celebrities.

Beyonce is referencing an old 'fashion' dress by Josephine baker in a post modern way. This image is taken from Fashion Rocks.

Clark Gable the 'king of Hollywood'  starred opposite many star actresses. Served in the US army. On screen. off screen personality sets the person up with a successful celebrity status.

Bette Davis, known for playing unlikeable characters

Marilyn Monroe - Iconic sex symbol, mixes her private life with her life on film and ultimately becomes the thing that destroys her. These events freeze her status in history

Andy Warhol takes her face and repeats it over and over, making it into a mask suggesting that it is difficult to know the person underneath when they are so often in the public eye.

He does a similar thing with Elvis,

John F Kennedy is a celebrity politician:

youth and good looks, television speeches

His death is followed by lots of conspiracy theories, the public play a great part in his life.

The Celebrity status is accelerated by the advent of television, everybody has an insight and ease of access to celebrity culture.

Michael Jackson

The changes in Michaels appearance are interpreted as reactions to the abuse he and his family suffered at the hands of their father. He looks less like his father by reducing his African American features: nose, skin colour, afro hair etc

Madonna makes herself an icon by reminding us of marilyn monroe and linking herself to the classic celebrity female icon.

Gaga changes her image ever time she is seen, which becomes her image and reflects her persona, unlike previous celebrities that have stuck to a trademark image.

Gaga referencing madonna

"If we don't stand up for our rights soon were going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones"

Youtube propells regular people to fame and celebrity

Whitney houstons funeral was broadcast online and on tv, 

There is a commercial aspect to the death of a celebrity - increased record sales and merchandise after the death.

 Look at celebrity status elevated into god like figures:

 Access to celebrity private lives: