Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question

Do film stars matter anymore?

In an age where story, special effects, and marketing can drive so much of the success of a movie, do film stars have the same importance to the success of the production as they used to?

Position 1 of 2
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Yes, film stars matter

This position holds that film stars still matter. It argues that which faces are elevated to stardom shapes representation — signalling who gets to be central to a culture — and that stars' large platforms give them real influence over public opinion and behaviour, and a responsibility with it.

Position 2 of 2
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No, film stars do not matter

This position holds that film stars no longer matter as culture assumes. It argues that a star is a constructed, parasocial image rather than a real person, that society credits them far beyond their actual contribution to a film, and that they are, ultimately, ordinary people.