Stardom, screens and society

Since the early 20th century, stars have been a central feature of screen media and have attained a prominent place within broader culture and society. They appear in magazines, on television, across social media platforms, and in a wide range of digital content. This unit explores the role of stars in shaping the meanings and affects of screen texts, their significance within the media industries, and their ideological function in constructing popular conceptions of identity. In this unit you will engage with key theoretical frameworks from star and celebrity studies and apply them through close analysis of films, star personas, and a range of extra-filmic materials such as interviews, reviews, and promotional content. In addition to critical analysis, you will also take part in practical filmmaking activities, offering further perspectives on the phenomenon of stardom. The unit will encourage you to reflect on how stars contribute to the pleasures of screen media, while remaining attentive to the broader political and cultural implications of celebrity.