In Richard Dyer’s ‘Star Theory’ he states that a Star is a persona rather than a real person. He recognises that everything about the star including the way they dress, talk and act is to boost an individual’s persona in an effort to engage their target audience.  He also proposes that the star must show two paradoxes, the first being both ordinary + extraordinary, and the second being, both present and absent.

 

Dyers star theory states that all stars are constructs created with particular values to engage their target audience. For example, throughout his career Bruno Mars has presented values of Youthfulness, Consumption of material goods and Creativity/ Talent. Particularly in his early career Bruno Mars, through mise en scene, specifically high key lighting and make up Bruno is represented as youthful as the end product is Bruno Mars looking flawless. Furthermore, in many magazine adverts, music videos and TV appearances Bruno Mars’s costume could easily be argued as creative with many colourful shirts, stylish hats and large gold chains resulting in bold fashion statements which exhibit the values of Creativity/talent and consumption of material goods. This links directly to Dyer’s theory that stars possess one or more specific ‘star value’.

 

In addition to Dyer’s theory on ‘star values’, it can be seen through the use of lyrics Bruno Mars’s persona has evolved over time as a way of keeping his target audience engaged with his audience. In his early career, specifically his first album, Bruno Mars was represented as youthful. In his first album (Doo-wops and Hooligans) Bruno features lyrics such as “Girl your amazing just the way you are” in the song ‘Just the Way You Are’ and “At night when the stars light up my room, I sit by myself, talking to the moon” in the song ‘Talking to the Moon’. These lyrics have an essence of innocents and peace which can be associated with youthfulness. Furthermore, in Bruno Mars’s present career which could be referred to as his later career, it is seen that Bruno Mars’s star values have evolved. Here he now represented as having sexual magnetism, consumption of material goods and Rebellion. These values are all present in his most recent album (24k Magic). In the song ‘That’s What I Like’ the lyrics “Sex by the fire at night” and “Jump in the Cadillac, girl let’s put some miles on” are heard which suggest both consumption of material goods and sexual magnetism. Also, in the song ‘24k Magic’ the lyrics “Spend your money like money ain’t s**t” and “Got to blame it on Jesus” are heard. This suggests to the consumer that Bruno Mars can do what he likes and just blame others for his wrong doings and as a result makes him come across as rebellious. So again, we can see that throughout his career, overall, he has directly linked to Dyer’s theory that stars must possess one or more specific ‘Star Value’.

 

Dyer’s ‘Star Theory’ also states that stars must also exhibit two Paradoxes. The first Paradox says that the star must be both ordinary and extraordinary simultaneously; this means that they must be seen as relatable to their target audience but also having something about them that separates them from the rest.  Bruno Mars shows these attributes through the use of mise en scene in his music videos and TV interviews. For example, in an interview with Ellen Degeneres Bruno Mars’s choice of costume was very much ‘ordinary’ with him wearing Jeans, a shirt and a denim jacket. These are items of clothing that you would see anyone on the street wearing and you certainly would see that person as something special if you saw them wearing these clothes. However, although in interviews Bruno Mars wears ‘ordinary’ clothing, in music videos such as Uptown Funk and 24k Magic we see Bruno Mars wearing some quite ‘extraordinary’ choices of costumes. For example, in 24k Magic, we see Bruno Mars wearing a multi-coloured silk shirt accompanied with a white snapback and a gold watch. This is a very unique fashion and definitely makes him separate from others. These examples link directly to Dyer’s star theory that stars must have the paradox of being simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary.

 

To further support Dyer’s theory of paradoxes, we could look further into Bruno Mars and his persona. As well as Bruno Mars’ costumes, if we look at the different scenarios Bruno Mars is found in it is clear that he is showing the ordinary yet extraordinary traits. There are two scenarios in which we see Bruno Mars in that categorise him into a ‘Star’. The first scenario is Bruno Mars up on the stage performing as an artist. He is separate from the audience with hundreds of thousands of people screaming his name. This makes him extraordinary as Bruno is shown being loved by thousands of people around the world exhibiting his talent to the world. The second scenario is Bruno Mars in everyday situations that do not make him look extraordinary in way possible. For example, Bruno in the supermarket shopping for groceries and household essentials such as kitchen roll.

 

As well as the first paradox, Dyer speaks about a second paradox. This paradox states that a star must be both absent and present meaning that they appear present and close to the audience whilst still be distance from them (absent). Bruno Mars shows these ‘star’ attributes presented in the paradox through his music videos (More specifically Uptown Funk). We see him walking through an ordinary town which is relatable to the audience as it shows many features which will be similar to the audience’s own home towns that they live/ grew up in which would make the audience feel like Bruno Mars is present as he is in familiar settings. However, although Bruno Mars is in a familiar setting he is still only on a screen on meaning the audience cannot physically see him therefore putting a barrier between Bruno and the audience resulting in him absent from the audience.

 

Another example of Dyer’s second paradox which helps support his theory is Bruno Mars when he is performing at his concerts. As well as through Bruno’s music videos, Bruno Mars is also represented as absent and present through the use of is concerts. This is because Bruno Mars’s fans will pay good money to go to his concerts as they get to see Bruno in person and watch him perform. This gives him the image of being present with the audience. However, although Bruno Mars is at the concert and the audience does get to see him in person. Throughout the concert he will remain on the stage which means a barrier is maintained between Bruno and the audience therefore meaning that Bruno is also absent from the audience. Which fits the conventions of what Dyer believes makes a star in terms of the second paradox which states that a star must be both present and absent from the audience.

 

In conclusion, after looking at all my research on Bruno Mars, I believe that he, as an artist, fits the conventions of Richard Dyer’s Star Theory. Looking at his actions and behaviours he demonstrates many of the values that Dyer states a star must have and also shows evidence of the two paradoxes a star have and this is why I believe he is a star.