GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Backstage is the hauntingly dark story of blind obsession and idol worship. Lucie (Isild Le Besco), a seemingly normal teenage girl returns home one day to find her house full of television crew members as part of a tv show. Confronted by her pop idol, Lauren (Emmanuelle Seigner) walking towards her from the backyard, singing her signature song, tears well in her eyes as soon as she realizes what is happening. As she begins to shake, and sob uncontrollably, all she can muster is a hug, no words forthcoming; such is her ‘love’ for her idol.

After the performance she is overcome with emotion and escapes to the safety of her room. After her emotions subside and Lucie realizes that this chance encounter has failed, she goes on a mission to see Lauren again. Through sheer persistence she manages to make her way to the singer, and bit by bit claws her way into her life. At first Lauren is intrigued by the fan, and perhaps too lazy to care whether she is there or gone, and hence utilizes her to by her pills from the chemist for Lauren to abuse. 



But it is not just her alcohol abuse and pill popping behavior that attracts attention to the star who has the world at her fingertips. The singer is heartbroken and self-loathing, living only for the chance to once again see her ex-boyfriend, who is over her addictive and destructive ways and has changed his number and refuses to see her.

On the verge of a mental breakdown, Lauren is emotionally volatile towards all those around her, including her body guards, personal assistant and Lucie herself. It is this emotional instability that draws the viewer to the character, never quite knowing what she will do next.

As the movie progresses and Lauren is receiving pressure from her manager to release her next single and remain on tour, Lucie seems an obvious distraction from the world. She allows Lauren time away from her life and Lucie even helps her with clothing decisions and song lyrics. Lauren seems to tease Lucie with her actions however, oscillating between suggestive sexual behavior and hostile, violent reactions.
Before long, Lucie finds herself totally engrossed in the life of Lauren, with great detriment to her own sanity. What follows is an evocative portrayal of obsession at its worst. 



Backstage is brilliantly directed and includes two intensely powerful performances by the lead actresses, young and upcoming Isild Le Besco and the gorgeous, Emmanuelle Seigner. This movie is not a walk in the park and requires real attention and some sort of reflection. But I found it well worth the ride, as much for what it doesn’t say, as for what it does and the twist at the end will truly test your moral compass.