There is no doubt about the obvious parallel between Warren Beatty’s star persona and the character he plays in the film Shampoo. They are both sex symbols that not only drive women crazy but bed them on a regular basis. In the article “Studs Have Feelings Too: Warren Beatty and the Question of Star Discourse and Gender” the author states the Beatty exemplifies the idea of both masculine sexuality and also feminine sexuality through his body and also his character types. The author explains that Beatty is the one being looked at not only by the female characters but also by the males. The best example of this is the scene where his character and Jackie are having sex in the clubhouse. His naked body is the only one the audience and other cast members see. This is typical of the feminine character because the women are typically the ones being gazed at. Another way in which Beatty is feminine in the film is that he is a hairdresser which is very feminine profession. However, he is tall and takes presence in the frame, which is characteristic of the masculine character (i.e. John Wayne). Everyone also desires him not only sexually but also professionally. This is a great example of the duel concepts of masculinity and femininity that he portrays since most men are desired professionally and most women are desired sexually, he encompasses both.
Dyer also discusses the idea of performance and performance techniques. In the film Shampoo, Beatty’s performance also emphasizes his duel masculine and feminine qualities. For example, when he cuts women’s hair, his hands are very feminine - moving lightly between the women’s hair in order to create new looks. However, he is also masculine with his performance in the way that he walks throughout the salon. He demands attention and takes up space. It could also be argued that Beatty takes the Stanislavsky approach and “becomes” that character from inside since Beatty was known to be a womanizer in real life. By analyzing not only Warren Beatty’s star persona, but also his performance style and duel masculine and feminine qualities of his character in Shampoo it becomes quite apparent the reason for his desirability among all women.
Do you think Warren Beatty ever cheated on his significant others and if so why was he not hounded in the media like Tiger Woods is?
Who is the new Warren Beatty of today? Or is Warren Beatty still the Warren Beatty of today?
Was it a wise choice for Warren Beatty to take roles that emphasized his womanizing status? Why or why not?
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