In order to continue my previous discussion on celebrity, and the media narratives that communicate their stories, I have spent the past few days reflecting on a phrase frequently stated by celebrities. Stars are so often quoted for saying that they wish to challenge themselves to "break the mold" of traditional actors. Actors are often heralded with critical acclaim for "breaking the mold," "stepping outside the box," or delivering a "groundbreaking performance." But what does it actually mean to "break the mold?" By making this proclamation, are actors themselves acknowledging that their careers, and their personas (both on and off screen) are based upon narratives that have been previously established by society?
I sound a little Carrie Bradshaw as I pose all of these questions within my posts, but I have suddenly developed a curiosity over this "mold" idea that I can't seem to ignore. Do we really put actors in specific categories, and if so, what is it that they do to break free of these societal constructions surrounding their personalities and performances?
I would be curious to hear others' opinions on what the "mold" of celebrity is. How do we characterize celebrities beyond their roles as actors, actresses, singers, or performers? Additionally, what is it that certain celebrities do, particularly in their behaviors or performances, that make them stand out to us as someone who is different, and outside the societal norm (both in good and bad ways)?
Or, as a final musing, can a celebrity's normalcy, whether it be in their performance or everyday life, be what "breaks the mold," and makes them truly stand out in the minds and opinions of the public?
Hilary - When actors say that they've "breaken the mold," I think it's in a way an excuse to cover up doing something wrong. For example, when Christina Aguilera's album, "Stripped," came out, she not only dressed in a very provocative way, but her lyrics were extremely inappropriate, especially for her teen fans which she had previously been targeting. In her defense, she was "breaking the mold," doing something different; but in actuality, it was to make what she did seem less offensive.
ReplyDeleteWe see this a lot especially with young actors, such as Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens, who start their careers on the Disney channel, but as they get older want to break loose. Unfortunately, they can't keep using the "I'm just breaking the mold," whenever they pose naked in a magazine. They are kids' idols and role models, so what message is that sending them? Don't worry if you mess up, you were just breaking out of your mold? I don't think so.
Dani, I very much agree with the ideas expressed in your post. I too think that many celebrities attribute their poor behavior and choices to their effort to "break the mold" of celebrity that they have been placed in. What I think you also touched upon in your post, was the idea that at a certain point, "breaking the mold" causes fans to turn against celebrities.
ReplyDeleteAs we discussed in class, celebrity stories are narratives that often follow the constructs of a specific society. Often when celebrities acts questionably and then attributes their actions to mold breaking behaviors, they no longer fit into their assigned narratives. Unsure of how to view the new image of the misbehaving celebrity, the public fails to ascribe a new narrative to the individual, and instead turns against the celebrity. This relates to my previous post about celebrities and citizenship, as it can help explain why the public has turned against Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, and other "troubled" stars. Just as you mention, Dani, these stars have "broken the mold" too many times, and has caused the public to turn against them.
Hilary,
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear the phrase "break the mold" as applied to celebrities, I immediately think of celebrity stereotypes, specifically Hannah Montana as an example. A stereotypical celebrity starts off young and then enters the world of stardom, which often includes things such as eating disorders, excessive partying, sex, drugs, and alcohol. Hannah Montana attained celebrity status at a young age. She made it seem like she would stay "pure" and remain a good role model for kids/people of all ages even as she got older and more mature. Well, not so surprisingly, she failed in doing this and just like the majority of other celebs, entered into this stereotypical world of celebrities. Hannah Montana is an example of someone who tried to "break the mold" of your typical celebrity and failed.