In a world relentlessly tuned in to American Idol and the daily lives of the TomKats and Bennifers, the uni­versal obsession with celebrity can cross the line into fanaticism. In keeping with the times, Emmanuelle Bercot's stunning feature directorial debut, Backstage, traces a starstruck teenager's fixation on a gorgeous and enigmatic pop star diva. Bercot explores the psy­ches of both the star and her adoring fan to reveal a troubling view on the world of celebrity worship and the complicated trappings of fame.

Lucie (beautifully portrayed by rising French star Isild Le Besco) is a typical teenager living in a provin­ cial suburb in France. Her predictable life is forever changed when a reality television show brings sexy pop chanteuse Lauren Waks (the stunning Emmanuelle Seigner) right into Lucie's bedroom and, unwittingly, forever into her life. A huge fan, Lucie disintegrates in Lauren's presence; the taping of the show is a disaster. Yet Lucie refuses to let go of her fantasy relationship with Lauren, and she fearlessly works her way into the pop star's lonely and complicated life. The relationship that unfolds between the two exposes the dark and destructive world that lies behind the glittering façade of celebrity and stardom.

Backstage is a knockout — an intelligent, unnerv­ing and highly accomplished look at the culture and consequences of fame.