‘Mediated persona’ and Hong Kong stars: negotiating mainland celebrity

Abstract

Using Corner's (2003) theory of the mediated persona, this article analyses the image construction of Hong Kong stars Jackie Chan and Andy Lau. It will ask how these Hong Kong stars have negotiated Mainland Chinese stardom, particularly since the time of the handover in 1997 and in what ways the personae of these stars seek to appeal to Mainland fans and markets. The article will argue that Chan's Mainland persona has been constructed through a nationalist approach: he is seen wearing traditional Chinese clothing, confronting the perceived Western power of Hollywood and has made statements in support of Mainland Chinese policies. In contrast, while Lau's Mainland persona also foregrounds ‘Chineseness’, it shies away from the explicitly political. Rather, Lau's Mainland persona reinforces his Asian (as opposed to global) star image, since it appeals to Chinese consumer dreams and moral ideals.

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