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To succeed at celebrity is to master the art of image construction and management.
It is to turn yourself into a brand in which performance is the method and the point.
The step and repeat on the red carpet.
The reaction to a seemingly impromptu paparazzi swarm.
Its all in service of an image created, not born.
Chiefly, stars were free agents unwed to a single studio.
But the tricksy, mercurial alchemy that goes into becoming and remaining a star endured.
No one has proved more adept at playing this game lately than Brad Pitt.
While Jolie has kept relatively quiet, Pitt has been more forward-facing.
His star persona is that of the high-school quarterback: charismatic and beloved.
Hi, Aniston, he croons.
Hi, Pitt she replies before calling him honey.
I could practically feel the heat index increase on Twitter in that moment.
Hes more than merely charming, hes a supernova of lightning-bright presence.
Hes more than willing to be silly and carefree, listening with full-bodied attention.
Every celebrity is playing the same game.
