I Think We're Alone Now

I Think We're Alone Now is a fascinating and thought-provoking 2008 documentary that explores the world of celebrity obsession like never before. A remarkably intimate portrait of two super fans, it lends an empathetic gaze to a misunderstood subset of fandom and, in the process, illuminates the intriguing interplay between fame and its devotees.

The film sets itself apart through its exploration of the fan-idol relationship through the lives of two hardcore followers of pop singer Tiffany. One of the central figures is a gentleman named Jeff Turner, a wild-eyed 50-year-old man with Asperger's Syndrome who harbors an all-consuming passion for Tiffany. In a surreal twist of fate, Turner's fascination turns into the belief that Tiffany communicates with him telepathically. His relentless devotion, bolstered by vivid fantasies of an intimate bond with the popstar, represents not just his personal mindset but also gives viewers a broader understanding of celebrity fixation.

On the flip side of the fan coin is Kelly McCormick, a jovely intersex woman who despite facing numerous hardships has found solace in her adoration for Tiffany. Kelly's affection is perhaps more personal than Turner's – she views Tiffany as a person who has loved her during the most challenging times in her life. Unfolding against the backdrop of her struggle to transition from male to female, Kelly's tale provides a touching insight into the human capacity for hope and courage.

The filmmaker, Sean Donnelly, traverses their personal landscapes, probing without being intrusive. Delving into their households, cameras unflinchingly capture the eccentricities and obsessions of these two individuals, providing an intriguing spectacle that constantly challenges viewers to renegotiate their perceptions. From crude shrines dedicated to Tiffany to fascinating interviews with the super fans themselves, viewers get a chance to experience the ground realities of the all-consuming world of fandom.

However, I Think We're Alone Now is not a disparaging expose designed to demean or ridicule its subjects. Instead, it offers a raw and unsettling investigation into the nature of celebrity worship syndrome while maintaining a deep sense of empathy for its subjects. This compelling narrative is skillfully presented through a series of intimate interviews, archival footages, and wonderfully captured home videos.

The interplay of the subjects coupled with the movie's delicate handling of sensitive issues makes the film an empathetic window into the world of celebrity obsession. It invites viewers on a journey of understanding, focusing on the fans' perspectives and presenting realistic representations of their often misunderstood and marginalized lives.

Crucially, I Think We're Alone Now inspires viewers to look beyond the explicit fascination exhibited by Jeff and Kelly, exploring instead how societies' engagement with celebrity culture contributes to these nuanced relationships.

As the film unfolds, Tiffany herself becomes less of a character and more of a symbolic representation of the intense, often irrational, allure that celebrities can have for some fans. The narrative manages to imbue this morbid fascination with sympathy, reflecting on the concept of obsession within our society.

In conclusion, I Think We're Alone Now is a compelling reflection on fandom and celebrity fixation. It handles its subjects with dignity, and while it does not shy away from their more eccentric tendencies, it always maintains a sympathetic gaze, making it a respectful, compassionate, and moving exploration of a little-examined topic. The film stands testament to the complex and oftentimes mystifying nature of celebrity worship, presenting two unique perspectives that are both fascinating and poignant, and is a must-see for skeptics and admirers alike.