Summary
Highlights
The documentary opens by showcasing Paris Hilton's public image as a 'new breed of celebrity' and a 'gossip column favorite,' famous for being famous. Media clips highlight her immense popularity with her show 'The Simple Life' and her ubiquitous presence in advertising and media. It touches upon her transformation from an 'old blonde girl going to parties' to a successful businesswoman with numerous product lines and a global DJ career. Despite her apparent success, a sense of underlying unease is hinted at, with questions about her true self and happiness.
Paris reveals that she no longer recognizes the person she was at the beginning of the film. She confesses to being nervous and shaking, hinting at a deeply personal and unaddressed trauma from her childhood. She explains that the world perceives her through a character she has played for a long time, and that no one truly knows who she is. She still experiences nightmares about a past event she has never discussed, describing it as terrifying and re-lived every night. This unresolved trauma motivates her to 'do something about it.'
Paris visits her grandfather's house, revealing her family's conservative nature and the pressure of carrying on the Hilton legacy. Her great-grandfather and grandfather built a hotel empire, creating high expectations. Growing up, Paris was her father's 'Star' and a free spirit before experiencing trauma. Her mother's side of the family was involved in child acting and modeling, but her mother wanted a different path for Paris. The segment highlights her parents' strictness and her yearning to be 'just Paris' rather than a 'Hilton.'
Reflecting on her life, Paris discusses being constantly on camera since a young age and the overwhelming presence of paparazzi. Kim Kardashian West acknowledges Paris's pioneering role in creating the movement of celebrity-paparazzi interactions, crediting Paris for her own rise to fame. Paris admits to loving the attention and love she received, which she perceived as genuine. However, she eventually chose to control her image and brand, becoming an 'original influencer' who ironically feels she 'helped create a monster' with social media culture.
Paris confesses to suffering from horrible insomnia and being scared to sleep due to recurring nightmares. She feels perpetually tired, her mind racing with non-stop commitments. She expresses confusion about her identity, feeling she's always presenting a facade of a happy, perfect life. This persona, created as a brand, has become a trap. She reveals the persistent nightmare of being taken from her room by two people, echoing a past traumatic event.
The conversation shifts to the highly publicized sex tape with her ex-boyfriend. Paris describes it as a private moment with a teenage girl 'not in her right headspace,' which was then publicly ridiculed. She felt 'electronically raped' and resents the perception that she did it for fame, asserting she always had a plan for her career. The incident felt like it 'took it all away' from her dream of living up to the grace and elegance associated with her grandmother's comparisons to Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe.
Paris's struggles with trust, a consequence of past betrayals, are highlighted. She installs spy cameras to monitor her new boyfriend, Aleks, reflecting her deep-seated insecurity. Her mother comments on Paris's childlike qualities and her use of flamboyant personas as a shield. Paris's dating life is depicted as a struggle to find an equal partner, often attracting controlling individuals. She admits to being scared of men and recounts being in numerous abusive relationships, where she normalized being yelled at, hit, or even strangled, mistaking it for love.
Paris recounts being sent away to various 'emotional growth schools' during her rebellious teenage years. After running away from earlier, more physically demanding programs, she ended up at Provo Canyon School, which she describes as 'the worst of the worst.' She details the abusive environment: constant yelling, physical abuse, forced medication that left her numb, and solitary confinement. Her parents were unaware of the full extent of the abuse, and she felt unable to tell them due to threats from staff. She survived by focusing on her future success as a means to regain control of her life.
Now an adult, Paris seeks out former roommates and survivors of Provo Canyon School. She expresses her nervousness about opening up and the potential impact on her brand, but recognizes the importance of speaking out to prevent others from enduring similar trauma. Meeting with fellow survivors, Katherine, Michelle, Raina, and Elizabeth, she finds solace and validation. They share their own experiences of abuse and the lasting impact of Provo, including PTSD and trust issues. This reunion empowers Paris, as she realizes she is 'not alone' and that her trauma is 'not my fault'.
Paris finally shows her mother a video of the survivors speaking out about their experiences at Provo Canyon School. Her mother expresses shock and regret, wishing she had known the truth at the time. This conversation marks a significant step towards healing and understanding within the family. Paris reflects on her journey, acknowledging that the traumatic experiences fueled her drive for success and her creation of a 'perfect, happy life' persona. She grapples with the idea of divorcing herself from this brand to truly embrace her authentic self and live 'free in your mind and in your heart.'