For the third week of class I learned more about Marlene Dietrich as a star and her film Morocco. In many ways Dietrich was like Monroe, although she never gained as much popularity. Both stars were often portrayed as sex symbols in their films and seen to be natural in their sexuality. During this week I also started the reading, “Heavenly Bodies” by Richard Dyer and his other article, “Part Two; Star as Images.”  

I found that both women were associated with the femme fatale, but as different types and aspects. I did prefer Dietrich as a symbol of empowerment, but both had strengths, just in different areas. I felt like Monroe was more aware that she was seen as a sexual symbol, but that she allowed herself to be overly sexualized in many of her roles. In contrast, Dietrich seemed like she was less concerned about pleasing the men around her. Dietrich also appeared to be more natural and empowering, as she was portrayed differently. She wore suits and pants, both as a person and for roles, and seemed like she was just being her natural and indifferent self.  

In the first article, Dyer states that appearances are a kind of manufactured reality. When combined with the star phenomenon, the question of reality will arise.  Dyer argues, “being interested in stars is being interested in how we are human now” (15). Anything that is publicly known about their image creates the star phenomenon. This includes published coverage of their work and private life and what people say about them, which can lead to their image becoming incorporated into everyday speech.  

According to Dyer, certain elements of a star’s image can be more popular within different periods of the stars career, or even outlive the actual star. Stars are also involved with making themselves into commodities for the public, as their work is both labor and what their labor produces. Monroe is a good example to look at in this regard, as the way she lived reflected the situation of living as a production in a capitalist society.  

In “Part Two: Star as Images” Dyer examines stars as a social phenomenon and how such a research can only be understood ideologically. According to Dyer, the image of the star is built from, “a complex configuration of visual, verbal and aural signs” (38). The path to stardom includes the lifestyle of the star, as it can become a backdrop for their personality. Dyer also mentions that the overall image of stardom tends to be related to the American dream.  

From the lecture I learned that an icon is the image from the outcome of a making, as stars are not born but made. The star system included director and acting pairing, such as the quite from, “I am Marlene – Marlene is me.” which is further confirmed by Dietrich’s response, “he created me.” The star vehicle in which the star is presented is also important, as it is basically how the film is built around the star and for the star. Which results in the continuation of the type of character that the star will be known for.