Celebrity Stardom vs. Industry Integrity: According To Bronwyn Nunn, Where Do We Draw The Line?
If there is one phenomenon that has always intrigued, attracted people for generations is the phenomenon we call ‘spectacle’. Spectacle can be defined as a visually striking performance or a scene with a high visual impact. Now spectacle can be both seen as negative and positive. In any context the job of an entertainer is to draw people’s attention and maintain their attention on you. In the world of film spectacle takes on a new form whether it be through mind blowing scenes or CGI effects. Many things can be used as a tool for spectacle.
An argument that can be made is how the term ‘sex sells’ validates that nudity and indecent exposure is the easiest form of spectacle. We have seen many celebrities use this as a means to win peoples attention. Kim Kardashian used the leverage and mass media attention from her sextape with R&B singer Ray Jay in the 00’s to propel her and her personal brand as well as her corporate ventures into a reality show, and starting multiple businesses with her and her family, and they have successfully become industry moguls in their own right. The same thing happened when a former model/video vixen named Karrine Stefans, wrote a tell-all expose’ on all the famous artists she has had sexual relations with, which in-turn propelled her to the heights of fame and relevance. From former wrestlers, to musicians and public figures such spectacle has gained them the much needed notoriety to amplify whatever businesses or media endeavours they may have.
In more recent years with the new culture of podcasting where people can literally become famous for their personalities and their perspective on discourse and social commentary even spectacle has reared its ugly head in the form of a podcaster named Adam 22 who was originally famous for introducing the soundcloud era of music to the masses with his podcast named “No Jumper”. Now No Jumper was known for bringing light to little known artists and making them famous with an interview on this platform. The No Jumper Platform also had a sub-channel known as “Plug Talk” where Adam interviews adult stars before actually performing with them. Now when No Jumper was disintegrating due to internal issues Adam made the decision to allow his wife ‘Lena The Plug’ to make an adult movie with another famous adult star named Jason Love. This move caused mass hysteria and that video was voted the biggest adult film of 2023, thereby keeping Adam’s company afloat.
Its clear for anyone to see that in entertainment where no publicity is bad publicity (except if you are a sex offender), such attempts at spectacle can be a worthwhile contingency. Now in the realm of film such spectacle can also still be controversial but still dignified, as it being part of the script. An actor’s job is to convince people of an illusion. No matter how provocative the nature of a scene may be if it brings authenticity to the narrative then it truly is excusable for the actors, in some instances those explicit scenes may even lead to the actors being more revered. A classic example is Halle Berry and her scene in Monster. Her intimate scene with Billy Bob Thorton was so compelling it won her an academy award.
In the case of the South African industry the landscape is no different. We see our local social media influencers and artists going the route of using explicit spectacle to gain them relevance and notoriety. One must think that the local film industry operates with the same demand for indecent exposure. Believe it or not dignity still has a place in the industry. Funny enough it’s the reverse psychology between the performer and the audience.
Bronwyn Nunn who is one of the new stars on Generations shares her insight on where to draw the line for performers.
Bronwyn Nunn explains:
“I have been fortunate enough that I have never had to seek acting roles they all come to me, than me having to look for them. I think based on the atmosphere of todays film industry you find people are more desperate to do anything to get a role to get out of a situation. For me I draw the line having to pay for a role. I also draw the line where my morals and my characters morals clash, or I have to compromise my dignity is where I draw the line. To be in a scene like that you have to be vulnerable, and in the vulnerability a big chunk of yourself has to be taken out but that is the nature of the business. I fell however to last in this industry takes talent more than anything.”
The old saying goes different strokes for different folks, or what is good for the goose isn’t always what is good for the gander. Bronwyn Nunn who is also a city varsity graduate has been causing a stir with this new breed of Generations characters. So as much as being provocative does get you instant reactions and gratification in the long run you may fall to the wayside and be dismissed as cheap. From Bronwyn’s perspective you should let your talent speak and roles can come to you, one can conclude that even through the use of TikTok and other social media platforms to showcase your talent you can be an internet sensation. Bronwyn also shared that one of the people she looks up to is the American rap superstar DDG. DDG started his career on YouTube and became a rap sensation and even appeared on the XXL freshman cover of 2023. Bronwyn has expressed how she has taken notes from him and it has even inspired her to even start her own YouTube platform which will start releasing episodes soon.
No matter how the world changes the principles of meritocracy are fundamental in any art or trade. There is the easy way out that can be taken by being a borderline sex-worker or take the hardest path. There is equal risk in both strategies. Ultimately, where you draw the line determines your value and even your prosperity in this industry.