A Star's Demise (Core Post 5)

Judy Garland, truly a star. But as Dyer lays out, Garland fits three key opposing stereotypes: “the all-American small town girl-next-door; the personification of showbix good humour and bezazz; [and] the neurotic woman.” (132) Any basic biography of Garland includes the story of her addiction to prescription drugs that her studio put her on to keep her energy up and assist with keeping her figure in shape. This led to her need for sleeping pills, which was what she eventually overdosed on. Dyer goes on to discuss how the media destroys individuals. (135) As is the case with any business, there is a product being sold; Hollywood is no different, except that, in Hollywood the star is constantly selling themselves. They are promoting themselves as a brand not just when working, but 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Often times a star is promoted to match their typical on-screen persona, but at times they will be promoted against their typical characters; both are strategic business choices. As we discussed Garland embodied many stereotypes all opposing one another and all differently related to the characters she played. With this incredible pressure it is not shocking that stars are led to the extreme measures they are. As we examine modern day Hollywood we see that sadly this tragic pattern of addiction leading to death has not dissipated. We look at stars like Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and Brittany Murphy and have to wonder what about this system is leading to these tragedies. These issues are represented so well in “A Star Is Born.” We watch not Garland’s character Vicki Lester, but her husband, Norman Maine that falls prey to the Hollywood star system. His career crumbles in front of him because of borderline addiction and inappropriate behavior, which led to His demise and ultimately, suicide. These characters and films, and real life stars in Hollywood raises many questions that we may never have real answers to as outsiders looking in.

Does Leonard Maine’s character accurately portray the cause and affect system of Hollywood? (As much as we can tell from the outside looking in)
Is it the star system that is destroying stars lives or is it the stars destroying themselves like any other individual practicing the same behaviors?
Do we excuse the self-destruction of stars because of the pressures put on them?