The new Eminem documentary, “Stans,” examines the deep admiration and sometimes obsessive nature fans have for the iconic rapper, capturing the delicate line between admiration and obsession. Directed by Steven Leckart, the film delves into the complexities of fan culture, particularly focusing on how the release of Eminem’s 2000 single “Stan,” which tells the story of an obsessed fan, helped define the term “stan” in popular culture. Leckart highlights that the song resonates because of its chillingly real portrayal of extreme fan dedication, showcasing that as a public figure with 45 million Instagram followers, Eminem inevitably attracts a wide array of personalities and passions.
The documentary’s concept emerged several years ago when producer Paul Rosenberg aimed to explore fan culture in an unconventional way. Leckart explains that filming began after observing fans, some of whom exhibited extreme devotion by traveling around the world just to attend shows. Upon joining the project five years ago, Leckart ramped up the casting process, utilizing social media to find fans interested in sharing their stories. This effort yielded over 9,000 submissions worldwide, leading to a diverse mix of individuals whose connections to Eminem represent different facets of his musical journey and influence.
When selecting interviewees for the documentary, Leckart aimed for variety to present a broad spectrum of fan experiences. They intentionally chose individuals who reflected different interpretations of Eminem’s story, rather than focusing solely on those with visible tattoos or memorabilia. By curating a diverse cast, the filmmakers created a rich tapestry of narratives, featuring fans who traveled to iconic places relevant to Eminem’s life and career, thereby providing viewers with a fuller picture of the impact Eminem’s music has had globally.
A notable decision made during production was to keep Eminem separate from the documentary’s participants, reinforcing the focus on fan narratives rather than opportunistically showcasing a star-studded meeting. Leckart explicitly avoided turning the film into what he described as a “reality show moment,” allowing individual stories, like Zolt’s, to shine without overshadowing them with celebrity encounters. Zolt’s recounting of a past meeting with Eminem is emblematic of the emotional depth Leckart strove to convey throughout the documentary.
Eminem’s candid reflections about his life, past struggles with addiction, and experiences as a father add further depth to “Stans.” Through collaborative discussions with Eminem and his team, Leckart found that their approach emphasized honesty and openness. The collaboration allowed the rapper to share unfiltered insights, contributing to a film that not only celebrates his work but also promotes a sincere exploration of his relationship with fans—transforming personal stories into a collective narrative about the transformative power of music.
Ultimately, “Stans” stands as a tribute to the profound impact Eminem has had on his fans, showcasing their emotional connections to his work. Leckart’s pride in the documentary is evident, particularly in how deeply the fan interviews resonate. Each story contributes to a celebration of Eminem’s legacy within the music industry and highlights the emotional moments that define the bond between artists and their audience. Scheduled for a limited theatrical release, the film invites viewers to engage with the nuances of fandom and the world that celebrities occupy.
