Star system

Definition

The star system refers to the practice of studios promoting specific actors and actresses to attract audiences and maximize profits. This system created a unique relationship between stars, their images, and the films they were in, leading to a focus on celebrity culture that heavily influenced marketing and production decisions in American cinema.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The star system emerged in the 1910s as Hollywood studios began to realize that famous actors could significantly increase box office revenue.
2. Stars were often placed under exclusive contracts with studios, controlling their appearances and roles in multiple films to build a recognizable brand.
3. Marketing strategies in the star system included the use of fan magazines and press coverage to cultivate an image of glamour and accessibility for stars.
4. The rise of the star system led to the creation of iconic screen personas that audiences could connect with emotionally, enhancing their attachment to specific films.
5. The star system began to decline in the late 1960s as filmmakers started prioritizing storytelling and artistic vision over star power.

Review Questions

• How did the star system influence the way films were marketed and produced during its peak?
  • The star system greatly impacted marketing strategies by placing significant emphasis on the allure and popularity of actors. Studios would promote films heavily based on the stars attached to them, often leveraging their images in posters, trailers, and advertisements. This led to a focus on creating films that showcased these stars in roles that appealed to their established personas, ensuring a built-in audience which helped maximize box office success.
• Evaluate the role of producers and studio heads in shaping the star system during the early 20th century.
  • Producers and studio heads played a crucial role in establishing the star system by recognizing the profitability of harnessing star power. They created contract systems that bound actors to studios for extended periods, ensuring a consistent lineup of popular stars for their productions. This control allowed studios to manage not just casting but also the overall branding of stars, creating images that resonated with audiences while driving ticket sales.
• Critically analyze how the decline of the star system impacted American cinema's narrative and thematic direction in the late 20th century.
  • The decline of the star system shifted American cinema towards narratives that prioritized storytelling over star power. Filmmakers began exploring more complex themes and character-driven plots rather than relying solely on established stars to attract viewers. This transition led to a diversification in filmmaking styles and genres, allowing for a greater range of voices and perspectives in cinema, ultimately reshaping audience expectations and engagement with film.

Related terms

Typecasting: The assignment of a specific character type to an actor, often limiting their roles based on previous performances and public perception.

Blockbuster: A film that is highly successful at the box office, often characterized by high production budgets and extensive marketing campaigns.

Publicity: The promotion of a film or star through media coverage, interviews, and public appearances to generate interest and attract audiences.