Slamdance: Could've been for two Tiffany fans

It’s time we shine the spotlight on the other film festival going on in Park City this week, Slamdance.  Now in its 14th year, the alternate event has become known for discovering documentaries with commercial potential such as “Mad Hot Ballroom” and last year’s entry “The King of Kong.” 

One Slamdance doc that had generated some pre-premiere interest this year was “I Think We’re Alone Now.”  Does that title sound familiar?  Well, as any child of the 80’s can tell you, that was a number one record for teen sensation Tiffany.  But "Alone Now" isn’t a retread “Behind The Music” special chronicling decades of fading glory for the pop star who made it to the top by touring the nation’s shopping malls. Instead, the film examines something much scarier: her fanatical fans that just won’t go away.

Director Sean Donnelly has found two noteworthy examples in 50-year-old Asperger syndrome sufferer Jeff Turner and 38-year-old hermaphrodite Kelly McCormick.  The amazing devotion they both have towards the now married Tiffany Renee Darwish doesn’t just cross the line it eviscerates it.  In fact, while the audience laughed at many of their on screen confessions, the more Turner and McCormick discussed their beliefs about their “real” relationship with the singer and the “destiny” that will eventually bring them together, the more the laughter became tainted with an uncomfortable unease.  But there clearly are some very strong sequences in the film. 

Living in Santa Cruz, CA and Denver, CO respectively, the documentary’s third act consists of having Turner and McCormick meet each other at a Tiffany performance in Las Vegas, NV. To see the reactions of one another as they discusses their feelings for their idol is incredibly entertaining because, ironically, they both think the other one is crazy.

In theory, the film could’ve been another Slamdance breakout, but because it’s clear both McCormick and Turner seem to be in need of serious psychiatric assistance, the possible pop culture appeal of the subject matter seems somewhat diminished.  Still, it should work the gay festival circuit and should eventually find a way to audiences via cable and DVD.

- Gregory Ellwood

Comments

[brian]

I think we're alone now was awesome. Sean Donnelly has been able to capture a scary aspect of being famous. If anyone wants to see what it is like to be stalked this is THE film. While it does have its humourous side the inside workings of a stalker is captured here in robust detail. Good going Mr. Donnelly.

[Kelly McCormick]

Get your facts straight! Tiffany and I ARE good friends from High School! I am not 38 yrs old, but 35! I live and work in Denver, CO, Not Los Angeles! You and the media calls me Tiffany's stalker and obsessed fan without knowing any facts and actual truth! Why don't you focus more on the real stalker, Julia Suzanne (who does everything to look and be like Tiffany), instead of accusing someone whom is complerely innocent of EVERYTHING you and the media says! GEE! Both you and the media makes it sound like Denver, Colorado is actually apart of the Los Angeles area! GET YOUR INFORMATION CORRECT BEFORE THERE IS A MAJOR LAWSUIT ON YOUR HANDS!!