"A movie star is not an artist, he is an art object"

Richard Schickel's quote, "A movie star is not an artist, he is an art object", provides an interesting lens through which to think about the role of motion picture stars within the broader context of the movie market and popular culture. This declaration suggests a difference in between the creative control and artistic agency generally associated with artists and the more passive function credited to motion picture stars, who are often viewed as topics to be admired rather than developers themselves.

Initially, consider the concept of the movie star as an "art item". This indicates that motion picture stars primarily work as the focus of the audience's attention and affection. Their image, crafted through the collaborative efforts of directors, scriptwriters, outfit designers, and countless others, is consumed by the public. In this sense, motion picture stars end up being renowned representations, much like a painting or sculpture in a museum. Their personalities rise to a type that can be dissected, appreciated, and critiqued. The emphasis here is on how they are viewed, how they are styled, and how their presence adds to a film or media product.

On the other hand, the notion that a motion picture star is "not an artist" might imply a lack of control over the final product or the imaginative procedure. While many film stars have exceptional acting abilities and interpretive talents, Schickel's quote suggests that they are ultimately based on the visions of others-- directors, manufacturers, and writers-- who form and mold their efficiencies and public personas. Unlike painters or artists who create and reveal their art independently, movie stars run within a collaborative structure, frequently adhering to others' innovative choices.

In essence, Schickel's statement highlights the unique position of the film star within the home entertainment landscape: simultaneously revered and objectified, celebrated for an art that is, mainly, produced around and through them, however not necessarily by them. It opens up a discussion about celebrity culture, the nature of artistic contribution, and the varying roles individuals play within imaginative markets.