Stardom in Contemporary Global Hollywood

Through a geographically expansive series of case studies, tracking film performers from the United States, the Americas, Europe and parts of the Pacific Rim, this book explores the varieties and meanings of contemporary Hollywood stardom as it has become increasingly deterritorialized. Each chapter assesses the economic significance of its chosen star, identifying his or her contribution to the extension and hegemony of what has been called 'global Hollywood'. By detailed study of the stars' selections of roles, modes of performance and fashioning of personas, the book also unpacks their multiple cultural or semiotic implications. In this way, Dix analyzes how contemporary transnational stars have not only advanced the global remit of Hollywood cinema but have played a major part in reconfiguring and even contesting Hollywood.

Andrew Dix is Lecturer in American Studies in the Department of English and Drama at Loughborough University, UK