Applying Dyer's Star theory and Goodwin's Music Video theory

 Taylor Swift 'The Man'

Richard Dyer's Star Theory

Richard Dyer's theory suggests that there are 3 key aspects to be an influential star. Star as construction, where the star constructs their own image to appeal to their audience. Star as commodity, where they sell merch and things to make money

- Star as construction = Taylor Swift constructs herself differently for each album. For example her album Lover constructs her as a mature yet vulnerable public figure directly contrasting her previous album 'reputation.'

- Star as commodity = Taylor Swift has lots of different merchandise that you can buy from her website specifically and from stalls at the shows. Her merchandise is themed around each album (era) and certain songs specifically. 

- Star as ideology = Taylor Swift promotes feminism and social justice. 

Andrew Goodwin's Music Video Theory

- Genre characteristics = The main aspect of this video was to highlight the differences in gender stereotypes. For example, when she is looking after the child, the man gets lots of recognition and praise for imply taking his daughter to the park where as the mothers don't get the same amount o praise despite looking after the children all day. It follows gender stereotypes to show the double standards and how unfair they are. 

- Lyrics & visuals = The video visually contrasts a females struggles with a males counterparts privilege. for example when he is seen 'man spreading' and flicking ash into the woman's bag on the subway. 

- Music & visuals = the main lyric is 'If I were a man' and then her video shows the stereotypical exaggerated stereotypes of men. this links together as her music matches what is happening in the video.

- Close-ups & motifs = There are lots of close-up shots of Taylor swift dressed up as the man. this allows the audience to see the codes of expression. 

- Intertextual references = Taylor Swifts music videos have lots of intertextual references to her other music in them. In 'The Man' specifically, when he is in the subway all of her album names are graffiti's on the wall. There is also a no scooter sign which refers to the scandal she had with her old manager called Scooter. There was also a sign with Miss Americano which references her documentary.