Dyer writes about how production
and consumption are the two leading theories on how celebrity is made (17).
Production emphasizes the importance of the filmmaker’s involvement, which “causes
stars to exist” (example: Clark Gable and MGM) (17). Whereas consumption, which
depends on audience interest and investment, is the other theory of celebrity
creation (example: Robert Pattinson and the Twilight
Saga) (17). Although a majority of Dyer’s writing speaks of the effects and
value of these two schools of thought separately, it is clear that they are codependent
on one another in our modern era.
 |
| Jennifer Lawrence wins Best Actress for Silver Linings Playbook. |
Take Jennifer Lawrence’s
career for example. Lawrence entered the public’s radar in Winter’s Bone (Granik), in which she earned her first Oscar
nomination for lead actress in 2010. In 2012, Lawrence would star in Silver Linings Playbook (O’Russel) and The Hunger
Games (Ross), which would change her status from “rising star” to “household
name” nearly overnight.
 |
| Jennifer Lawrence signing autographs at a Hunger Games event |
Silver Linings, with
its independent status and official awards recognition can be regarded as a “production”
film; whereas, The Hunger Games can
be seen as a “consumer” film because of its commercial success at the box
office and its immense popularity in a global market. Both films built Lawrence’s
celebrity to what it is today. She is an award winning film star in the eyes of
the critics, and a relatable fan favorite among the fickle youth demographic.
If film studies can learn anything from Lawrence, it is that celebrity is not
built by production or consumption . Both must work together to
create a lasting career.
Work Cited:
Dyer, Richard.
Stars. BFI, 1998.
Images:
1.) Jennifer Lawrence wins Best Actress for Silver Linings Playbook.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WDU7zLAd2-U/maxresdefault.jpg
2.) Jennifer Lawrence signing autographs at a Hunger Games event.
http://lancpump.com/jennifer-lawrence-with-fans
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