A star's authenticity (Core Post #5)

It is interesting to begin reading about a star's authenticity at this point in the semester, because I see it as such a crucial, yet overlooked part of our readings of a star. We've talked throughout the semester about the roles that actors play and whether or not they "fit". For example, Sandra Bullock in the The Blind Side or Lady Gaga's entire persona. Are they "real"?

In "A Star Is Born and the Construction of Authenticity" Dyer explains, "Showing that the star is not really like she/he appears to be may itself be taken up into the image, its further construction and rereading, but it could shatter the illusion altogether." (137). A star's authenticity is reenforced if they act the exact same way on and off of the screen. Stars are often exposing contradictory images (...see Tiger Woods scandal), but sometimes can work in the stars favor. In "Heavenly Bodies" Dyer explains his philosophy as to why gays like Judy Garland post-1950s. He explains that it is the breaking down of her false persona that actually exposed a more authentic individual. The emotion that came across post-1950s was relatable. A Star is Born is a compelling example because it was "revealing" and real... a lot more real then her earlier ordinary characters.

What is interesting about this is that the gay audience actually liked her performance as ordinary characters because she "was the image of heterosexual family normality... The ordinariness is a starting point because, like Judy Garland, gay men are brought up to be ordinary." (153). This was only respected, however, after the 1950s because they could relate to growing up in heterosexual family normality, but feeling like an outsider. She was the outsider. What would have happened if her authenticity wasn't exposed? Would she not be respected by the gay community? If her authenticity is never exposed, then would she have been considered authentic?

I know that this is a bit of a tangent, but I did a post a couple of weeks back on celebrities use of Twitter and social media. I've often wondered how this affects authenticity. Is it harder to hide things? Think of an active Tweeter (?) like John Mayer. The way he comes across on Twitter is completely different than his music and videos. If his music was the only thing creating his persona and we didn't see the vulgar content that he posts daily, what would we think about his authenticity as an artist? I had dinner with a Lady Gaga fan and we began talking about artists and Twitter. She expressed that she is frightened by the thought that Lady Gaga may not be updating her own Twitter, thus making her less authentic.

The reading in "Stardom: Industry of Desire" expresses that stars may create their authenticity. Thus, creating their behind the scenes image. Is this/will this be present on Twitter and other social media outlets. Are John Mayer's contradictory personas on purpose? Because it really makes me question his authenticity.