Eminem Gets Vulnerable in His New Documentary ‘Stans’ as He Explores Sensitive Topics

Eminem, whose real name Marshall Mathers, has a new documentary, “Stans.” The documentary will be released in theaters on Thursday, August 7, and it gives a better look into the rapper’s life.

Eminem Gets Vulnerable With Audiences

Some of the topics that the documentary focuses on are how he feels about his fandom, the emergence of “stans” to explain infatuation with celebrities (the term was inspired by Eminem’s 2000 song, “Stan” which features Dido), and comments on a scary encounter with fans while he was with his daughter, Hailie Jade.

There are many aspects of this film that show a more vulnerable side to the rapper. But perhaps the most eye-opening of all is when he candidly discussed his addiction to prescription pills. Eminem has been open about addiction before, but the “Stans” documentary gave great detail about his cycle of depression and his drug usage.

Eminem also spoke about the impact of his overdose. He had to “relearn how to walk, talk and for the most part had to relearn how to rap again,” Us Weekly reports.

“My writing had gotten terrible. When I started to get it back, it was exciting. Because I felt it. It would be conversations, just having conversations with people or the TV,” he said in the documentary. “It was hitting me really fast and I was writing songs really quickly.”

The Reaction to His Album Helped Create a More Positive Outlook

Eminem’s album “Relapse” was released in 2009. It was his sixth album and the reception was not what he was expecting. In it, he had made fun of himself for his struggles, but the fan reaction made him realize he needed to take another, more positive approach.

“It turned the light on. Like, ‘You gotta do something different. Why don’t you try embracing sobriety?’ I realized I’m not embarrassed anymore about it,” Eminem told the cameras, Us Weekly reports. “I started treating sobriety like a super power and I took pride in the fact that I was able to quit.”

His Relationship With ‘Stans’ Has Been Scary

Eminem has been in the music industry for decades and released his “The Slim Shady LP” in 1999. Even before this, he was proving his worth in rap battles and penning hard-hitting lyrics. He has gained a loyal following, but there are some fans who have taken things too far.

The documentary highlighted how Eminem has been contacted by “stans,” including receiveing letters. “Our psychic connection is so strong I sometimes think you are god,” a letter reads. “I love listening to you and acting like we’re friends.”