The Star System

An interesting aspect of early studios was what the book calls the "star system". Studios created consistant line-ups of performers and directors. As the names of the (good) actors and actresses became remembered, people would come and see the movie for the person in it, regardless of the movie. As the studios caught on to this phenomenon, the actors and actresses became re-occuring, along with the content and characters in the films. This made certain actors become assosciated with certain types of roles. The films became less about the story and more about that star acting the way he or she acts best. A perfect example of this-- mentioned in the lecture-- is Humphery Bogart. He had many roles associated with fighting crime. He developed a certain image that sold the films he was featured in. The star system is certainly present in modern Hollywood: Michael Cera as the dorky teenager, Ben Stiller as the witty Jewish man, Seth Rogen as the witty Jewish man who is always stoned, Jim Carey as the outrageous clown (although he has proved worthy of other roles), (early)Adam Sandler as the stupid idiot, Will Ferrell as another stupid idiot, Jack Black as a crazy, innovative idiot on drugs, etc.... All of these actors have made their way to success through a consistant character. Surely they have made lots of money, but in my personal opinion the most successful actors are the ones capable of performing many different roles such as Adrian Brody, Heath Ledger, and Jim Carey, who although made his way to stardom through what I like to call the Careyacter, really can act.