Les (Steve Buscemi) is an amateur celebrity photographer who longs to get better shots that are worth more money. Yet, time and again, clubs and venues where stars may be eating or partying have bouncers. Bouncers that tell Les to get lost. One day, by chance, Les and a crowd of shutterbugs like him make an attempt to photograph a hot young singing star, K'Harma (Alison Lohman). No one gets much but Les meets an affable guy, Toby (Michael Pitt). Turns out Toby is homeless and has a vague inclination to be a movie star. On a whim, Les offers Toby a chance to bunk with him for the night. Once back at Les' small apartment, Toby starts cleaning up a few things, hoping to help Les for his graciousness. Les is a bit annoyed at that. But, the older man loves having the idea of an underling to lecture. Soon, every other phrase out of Les' mouth is "rule number one", as he gives Toby pointers about photography and life. One night turns into days and the two men hang out, even snagging a photo that sells on the Internet for $700! After this, Les drags Toby over to his aging parents house but its not clear why. The older folks are not impressed with Les' news of the 700 bucks and they are categorically critical and unpleasant. The two leave soon. Not long after, Toby actually MEETS K'Harma and she likes his looks. Soon they are hanging out. But, will Toby let Les capitalize on this great chance to photograph K'Harma and those around her? If he doesn't, how grateful is that? This film has truly great cast members who elevate the material. Buscemi is a stitch as his mantra of "rule number one" becomes an infinite number of rules. Pitt is adorable as the erstwhile actor while Lohman is comical, also, as the insecure star who wants "her own fragrance" and demands many things of her staff. All other matters are fine, costumes, sets, script and direction, but nothing out of the ordinary. Therefore, if you like Buscemi or any other cast member, do find it.
27 Reviews
a light touch helps from time to time
Quinoa19848 August 2008
Tom DiCillo is a cool New York-based independent filmmaker, and he's made some good stuff in the past (most notably as DP for Jim Jarmusch, and as the director of sleepers like the great Living in Oblivion), and I wish him the best of luck on anything he does. But on Delirious, he only gets it right some of the time. He's out to, at first it seems, make a satire on media hype and celebrity and the inanities of shallow attention given to people who don't do much to deserve it (if you need proof of that, watch the Soup on E!).
But then it goes a little in a different direction, which I respected and wanted to go along with, as a fable/fairy-tale where Toby (Michael Pitt) is just about the nicest, most generous and fish-out-of-dumpster homeless kid who somehow becomes an 'assistant' to fledgling photographer Les (Steve Buscemi), who shows him the ropes and introduces him to a casting director (Gina Gershon), and eventually- accidentally of course- falls into the company of a pop star (Alison Lohman) as the two all but fall in love on first sight.
Good premise, and scenes between Buscemi and Pitt most often work the best, and funniest, as one sees subtle layers peeled by Les's pathetic paparazzi who just doesn't admit he's not ambitious enough to be marginalized as a photographer. There's even some good comedy thrown around, the kind that is that strange absurdity that we also saw in 'Oblivion'. But, somehow, it just didn't all click for me after a while.
There's a very bitter pill being sent out in, often, very corny and ill-shot scenes (the latter of which I could accept, but for one brief instant, as Toby walks back to Les's place the morning after he's had that whirlwind night with Lohman, I was shocked at how cheesy a scene it turned into). The problem, also, is that it's difficult to mix such a delicate romantic/fable angle while also working in some mockery at the entertainment business. It's all in good amusement to see the "reality serial-killer" show being directed for "realism", but it all doesn't lead up to anything significant to say past some shallow messages.
Maybe I didn't see what others have been; it's become a minor little hit with most, and I'm sure if you have any desire to see actors like Buscemi and Pitt and Lohman (who is also very good) and Gershon (and hey, there's even a really hip and hilarious cameo from Elvis Costello) you'll seek it out anyway. However, it's not the best, or least obvious, game in town despite its solid indie cred.
But then it goes a little in a different direction, which I respected and wanted to go along with, as a fable/fairy-tale where Toby (Michael Pitt) is just about the nicest, most generous and fish-out-of-dumpster homeless kid who somehow becomes an 'assistant' to fledgling photographer Les (Steve Buscemi), who shows him the ropes and introduces him to a casting director (Gina Gershon), and eventually- accidentally of course- falls into the company of a pop star (Alison Lohman) as the two all but fall in love on first sight.
Good premise, and scenes between Buscemi and Pitt most often work the best, and funniest, as one sees subtle layers peeled by Les's pathetic paparazzi who just doesn't admit he's not ambitious enough to be marginalized as a photographer. There's even some good comedy thrown around, the kind that is that strange absurdity that we also saw in 'Oblivion'. But, somehow, it just didn't all click for me after a while.
There's a very bitter pill being sent out in, often, very corny and ill-shot scenes (the latter of which I could accept, but for one brief instant, as Toby walks back to Les's place the morning after he's had that whirlwind night with Lohman, I was shocked at how cheesy a scene it turned into). The problem, also, is that it's difficult to mix such a delicate romantic/fable angle while also working in some mockery at the entertainment business. It's all in good amusement to see the "reality serial-killer" show being directed for "realism", but it all doesn't lead up to anything significant to say past some shallow messages.
Maybe I didn't see what others have been; it's become a minor little hit with most, and I'm sure if you have any desire to see actors like Buscemi and Pitt and Lohman (who is also very good) and Gershon (and hey, there's even a really hip and hilarious cameo from Elvis Costello) you'll seek it out anyway. However, it's not the best, or least obvious, game in town despite its solid indie cred.
The performances make entertaining this poor movie.
butchfilms26 November 2008
I would have rated "Delirious" with 4 stars if this movie would have had another 2 leading actors because the plot of the movie is terrible.
The performances of Steve Buscemi and Michael Pitt save the movie. The performances of these actors turn what could have been a boring movie in an entertaining one despite its extremely unreal and naive plot.
The plot is about how a paparazzi (Steve Buscemi) and a young bum (Michael Pitt) become friends where the bum works for free for the paparazzi and in return he can sleep at the paparazzi's department, but things are going to change when the bum gets involve with a young woman pop star.
The performances of Steve Buscemi and Michael Pitt save the movie. The performances of these actors turn what could have been a boring movie in an entertaining one despite its extremely unreal and naive plot.
The plot is about how a paparazzi (Steve Buscemi) and a young bum (Michael Pitt) become friends where the bum works for free for the paparazzi and in return he can sleep at the paparazzi's department, but things are going to change when the bum gets involve with a young woman pop star.
Cute, sweet fantasy
sioenroux11 April 2008
I love Michael Pitt, which is the main reason I gave this a chance. I'm glad I did, because it was a sweet, very light romantic comedy with a fantasy-type touch.
Some of the scenes of Pitt are astonishingly beautiful, and the story, although straightforward and predictable, takes a backseat to the storytelling... lush, frothy and warm.
I'm not as gushing as some of the other commenters, mostly because some of the dialogue was stilted and a few of the scenes fell flat (especially the more "personal" moments between Steve Buscemi and Pitt), but all in all, this is a light-hearted romance that leaves you feeling good inside.
Shouldn't we want that from movies sometimes?
Some of the scenes of Pitt are astonishingly beautiful, and the story, although straightforward and predictable, takes a backseat to the storytelling... lush, frothy and warm.
I'm not as gushing as some of the other commenters, mostly because some of the dialogue was stilted and a few of the scenes fell flat (especially the more "personal" moments between Steve Buscemi and Pitt), but all in all, this is a light-hearted romance that leaves you feeling good inside.
Shouldn't we want that from movies sometimes?
Simple and funny, with exaggerated drama
petailss20 November 2011
In New York, Les is a celebrity photographer in search of the photo that will make him the news. As he tries, he meets Toby, a young resident of street, with no perspective, except for a vague desire to become an actor. Les initially rejects his new friend, but eventually accepts it in his apartment. Les does so with a purpose: he sees a chance to meet with K'Harma Leeds, the hottest star of the moment. The plan comes well at first, when the star invite Toby to your party. Except that their friendship is threatened when who gets to succeed is the homeless, not the photographer.
"Delirious" isn't a movie made to be successful, but to give us a time of the conventional. It is different in the script, in pace and in outcome - for more strange that can be! Doesn't deepen in the friendship between Les and Toby, or in the platonic love of the homeless and the famous singer, and this turns out to be good, since that would makes it the story tedious, and here there is a romantic comedy. May not please all, but the few who like it can become fans. I recommend to who likes newer things.
"Delirious" isn't a movie made to be successful, but to give us a time of the conventional. It is different in the script, in pace and in outcome - for more strange that can be! Doesn't deepen in the friendship between Les and Toby, or in the platonic love of the homeless and the famous singer, and this turns out to be good, since that would makes it the story tedious, and here there is a romantic comedy. May not please all, but the few who like it can become fans. I recommend to who likes newer things.
Go with the Flow
wes-connors16 March 2011
After a coffee run, homeless hunk Michael Pitt (as Toby Grace) asks to crash with seedy celebrity photographer Steve Buscemi (as Les Galantine). After being assured the handsome blond youth is not gay, Mr. Buscemi allows him to move in, and fixes a bed for Mr. Pitt in the closet. Buscemi develops a big brother relationship with Pitt, who wants to be an actor. Pitt is attracted to scantily-clad pop star Alison Lohman (as K'Harma Leeds) and heats up casting director Gina Gershon (as Dana). "Maybe I can get you into something," she tells Pitt. When he gets his shot at fame, Pitt's relationship with Buscemi becomes strained...
This starts out like it might be a modern "Midnight Cowboy" (1969), then wanders into "Star 80" (1983) territory. "Delirious" ends up being closer to a satire on celebrity. The thesis is never quite fronted, although director Tom DiCillo certainly does it with style. Buscemi contributes an engaging, manic characterization, suggestively managing to make the story seem like something greater. Everyone else is fine, with foul-mouthed parents Doris Belack (as Lois) and Tom Aldredge (as Carl) providing a veteran treat. The song selection and soundtrack are very strong. Stay tuned for a coda, appearing after the end credits.
****** Delirious (9/26/06) Tom DiCillo ~ Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, Alison Lohman, Gina Gershon
This starts out like it might be a modern "Midnight Cowboy" (1969), then wanders into "Star 80" (1983) territory. "Delirious" ends up being closer to a satire on celebrity. The thesis is never quite fronted, although director Tom DiCillo certainly does it with style. Buscemi contributes an engaging, manic characterization, suggestively managing to make the story seem like something greater. Everyone else is fine, with foul-mouthed parents Doris Belack (as Lois) and Tom Aldredge (as Carl) providing a veteran treat. The song selection and soundtrack are very strong. Stay tuned for a coda, appearing after the end credits.
****** Delirious (9/26/06) Tom DiCillo ~ Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, Alison Lohman, Gina Gershon
Di Cillo clearly made little effort. Plus his dubious portrayal of show-biz, which appears naive and uninformed.
fedor815 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
These 90s indie film-makers usually lose it after a couple of movies, so I expected this to be unexceptional. Di Cillo was past his prime already at this point.
Trying to do two types of movies at once was a mistake. He should have done two separate movies - a satiric comedy, and a fairy-tale romance flick. This is a shallow satire of show-biz, partially because the fairy-tale romance neutralizes much of the satire. Why? Because by romanticizing the two love-birds (a pop star and a rising movie star) Cillo presents these people as much more likable and principled than they are - by a far margin.
Unrealistic characters, some predictable situations, not much of a convincing story either. Indie films normally don't require a big, intricate plot, because they rely on clever characterization and unusual situations. There are a few potentially interesting situations but the characters are too idealized, especially for an indie film. If this can even be considered one.
For example, the pop singer. She is far too well-behaved for an MTV tart. Not to mention the embarrassing scene when she's writing a song, as if these pop divas write ANY of their own music. They most certainly do not, and the notion that any of them READ and actually WRITE music in note form, as well, is so laughable I have to wonder just where Di Cillo has been in recent years. In a cave? Such bizarre naivety from a NY director is baffling. Ironically, this movie is ABOUT show-biz yet Di Cillo exhibits a lack of understanding of that world, as if I'm more of an insider than he is, which obviously can't be true. Yet it somehow appears to be the case.
Secondly, the homeless character. Rather unrealistic, quite a romanticized version of a young homeless person. He is neither street-smart, nor decadent, nor dangerous, nor has any ill-will toward anybody, nor is he drug-addicted or an alcoholic, nor unpredictable, nor depressed nor violent. He is some kind of a Disneyland version of a hobo, just as his love-interest is a totally fictional pop starlet. He may as well have dropped out of a boy-band, that's how anti-hoboic he is.
"You just cost me my Elvis Costello photos! You know how much money they're worth?!"
About $15?
Cillo is so lost and out-of-touch that he actually believed that a pop starlet from 2006 would actually have anything to do with "Elvis Costello" (his real name is Declan Shamus or some such Irish name), or that the yellow press would actually bother paying for photos of "Elvis Costello". A real paparazzi, unlike Buscemi who plays one here, wouldn't have risked being kicked out from a private party - just to get snaps of "Costello". It's laughable. The paparazzi, unlike Cillo, are in the business of knowing "who's hot and who's not". Cillo should have had one of them act as advisor on this film, or at least read the script to correct some of the nonsense.
Pitt's rise from homeless person to celebrity is very far-fetched to begin with (coz nobody below the middle-class can achieve stardom these days, not even a lower-class kid, much less a homeless person), but it could have been pulled off reasonably, if only Cillo had written it in an intelligent manner. He didn't. He rushed things, he made it look easy. A cheesy ploy more "worthy" of a very bad Hollywood film. Pitt becomes an overnight sensation, just because he's cast in some obviously dumb low-budget TV series. I realize that there's only so much time for proper plot development in a 100-minute movie, but if you can't do this convincingly then go with a different kind of plot. There is just no way in Hell that show Pitt is cast in could possibly get him into headline news, and so quickly. Cillo should have made sure the role was for a big blockbuster movie.
It's not an all-out commercial kind of comedy where this kind of nonsense is doable, hence why it doesn't work. Aside from the fact that the script is mediocre, formulaic and the other stuff I mention.
Cillo even manages to commit one of my pet-peeves, and that's hiring a homely nepotist actress and have her declared a "beauty" by one of the characters. Gina Bloody Gershon! Whoever considers her pretty should just relocate to the ocean, because there's plenty of fish in the sea like that, and I don't mean figuratively...
The dialog, rather than being smart, is flat and on occasion as banal as if this were some cheap Hollywood B-movie. Or A-movie, because these days most Hollywood films have B-movie dialog.
Trying to do two types of movies at once was a mistake. He should have done two separate movies - a satiric comedy, and a fairy-tale romance flick. This is a shallow satire of show-biz, partially because the fairy-tale romance neutralizes much of the satire. Why? Because by romanticizing the two love-birds (a pop star and a rising movie star) Cillo presents these people as much more likable and principled than they are - by a far margin.
Unrealistic characters, some predictable situations, not much of a convincing story either. Indie films normally don't require a big, intricate plot, because they rely on clever characterization and unusual situations. There are a few potentially interesting situations but the characters are too idealized, especially for an indie film. If this can even be considered one.
For example, the pop singer. She is far too well-behaved for an MTV tart. Not to mention the embarrassing scene when she's writing a song, as if these pop divas write ANY of their own music. They most certainly do not, and the notion that any of them READ and actually WRITE music in note form, as well, is so laughable I have to wonder just where Di Cillo has been in recent years. In a cave? Such bizarre naivety from a NY director is baffling. Ironically, this movie is ABOUT show-biz yet Di Cillo exhibits a lack of understanding of that world, as if I'm more of an insider than he is, which obviously can't be true. Yet it somehow appears to be the case.
Secondly, the homeless character. Rather unrealistic, quite a romanticized version of a young homeless person. He is neither street-smart, nor decadent, nor dangerous, nor has any ill-will toward anybody, nor is he drug-addicted or an alcoholic, nor unpredictable, nor depressed nor violent. He is some kind of a Disneyland version of a hobo, just as his love-interest is a totally fictional pop starlet. He may as well have dropped out of a boy-band, that's how anti-hoboic he is.
"You just cost me my Elvis Costello photos! You know how much money they're worth?!"
About $15?
Cillo is so lost and out-of-touch that he actually believed that a pop starlet from 2006 would actually have anything to do with "Elvis Costello" (his real name is Declan Shamus or some such Irish name), or that the yellow press would actually bother paying for photos of "Elvis Costello". A real paparazzi, unlike Buscemi who plays one here, wouldn't have risked being kicked out from a private party - just to get snaps of "Costello". It's laughable. The paparazzi, unlike Cillo, are in the business of knowing "who's hot and who's not". Cillo should have had one of them act as advisor on this film, or at least read the script to correct some of the nonsense.
Pitt's rise from homeless person to celebrity is very far-fetched to begin with (coz nobody below the middle-class can achieve stardom these days, not even a lower-class kid, much less a homeless person), but it could have been pulled off reasonably, if only Cillo had written it in an intelligent manner. He didn't. He rushed things, he made it look easy. A cheesy ploy more "worthy" of a very bad Hollywood film. Pitt becomes an overnight sensation, just because he's cast in some obviously dumb low-budget TV series. I realize that there's only so much time for proper plot development in a 100-minute movie, but if you can't do this convincingly then go with a different kind of plot. There is just no way in Hell that show Pitt is cast in could possibly get him into headline news, and so quickly. Cillo should have made sure the role was for a big blockbuster movie.
It's not an all-out commercial kind of comedy where this kind of nonsense is doable, hence why it doesn't work. Aside from the fact that the script is mediocre, formulaic and the other stuff I mention.
Cillo even manages to commit one of my pet-peeves, and that's hiring a homely nepotist actress and have her declared a "beauty" by one of the characters. Gina Bloody Gershon! Whoever considers her pretty should just relocate to the ocean, because there's plenty of fish in the sea like that, and I don't mean figuratively...
The dialog, rather than being smart, is flat and on occasion as banal as if this were some cheap Hollywood B-movie. Or A-movie, because these days most Hollywood films have B-movie dialog.
Just go with the flow.
lost-in-limbo17 January 2010
This Tom DiCillo's offbeat independent feature is an amusingly fun, deftly biting satirical comedy at the fame industry's expense. Outside of the self-centred glitz and glamour it still holds a gritty realism within, but its main focused is centred on a rag to riches tale where friendships are formed where true relationships are tested and eventually win out over jealous professionalism of the trade. To not forget about the people who are/or were important to their life's in one way or another. The innovative script throws up many candid reactions and crafts a humane angle to all of this gone to the head star struck business with an unpredictable zip.
Les Galantine a small-time paparazzi who prefers the title professional cameraman, where on one of his photo hunts meets Toby, a young homeless man who one day sees himself being an actor. Les decides to take on Toby, after his constant pleading even offering to help out free of charge. Les teaches him the ropes of the trade, and they slowly become friends, but in an accidental chance meeting Toby catches the eye of celebrity K'Harma Leeds and there's an instant attraction that could disrupt Les work/personal establishment with Toby.
A dependable, stellar cast give it all to their roles. Steve Buscemi's excellently snappy turn is one of uncertain complexity and vulnerability as the confidence comes from when he has a camera in his hand and along side him Michael Pitt brings quite a sincere, upfront quality that works when he's taken under the wing. Alison Lohman cosily paints it perfectly as the overwhelmed pop star and a scorching hot Gina Gershon is great as a feisty casting director manager that sees something special in Pitt's character. Also there are a few enjoyable cameos namely Elvis Costello.
Di Cillo's direction has a down to earth style, which seamlessly uses colourfully detailed location work and intimate camera-work. Attached is bouncy soundtrack that injects plenty of energy too. Also just after the credits have rolled over, we get a little bit more involving the Les character.
Les Galantine a small-time paparazzi who prefers the title professional cameraman, where on one of his photo hunts meets Toby, a young homeless man who one day sees himself being an actor. Les decides to take on Toby, after his constant pleading even offering to help out free of charge. Les teaches him the ropes of the trade, and they slowly become friends, but in an accidental chance meeting Toby catches the eye of celebrity K'Harma Leeds and there's an instant attraction that could disrupt Les work/personal establishment with Toby.
A dependable, stellar cast give it all to their roles. Steve Buscemi's excellently snappy turn is one of uncertain complexity and vulnerability as the confidence comes from when he has a camera in his hand and along side him Michael Pitt brings quite a sincere, upfront quality that works when he's taken under the wing. Alison Lohman cosily paints it perfectly as the overwhelmed pop star and a scorching hot Gina Gershon is great as a feisty casting director manager that sees something special in Pitt's character. Also there are a few enjoyable cameos namely Elvis Costello.
Di Cillo's direction has a down to earth style, which seamlessly uses colourfully detailed location work and intimate camera-work. Attached is bouncy soundtrack that injects plenty of energy too. Also just after the credits have rolled over, we get a little bit more involving the Les character.
Hang in for the ending!!!
hughman5519 September 2009
Calling all Steve Buscemi fans! I started watching this movie on cable quite by accident. In the opening scene I thought I recognized a friend of mine in a minor role and while waiting for him to reappear and see if it was in fact him I found myself captivated with this brilliant little indie until the end. Steve Buscemi is one of the best, and most interesting, American actors today. (Check him out in his early role as Nick in "Parting Glances" from 1985.) He elevates the level of every movie he does. Although, this film doesn't need any help from him. It's good. REALLY good. It is a character study. And as with most character studies the characters studied are somewhat unpleasant and maybe not very sympathetic. But in this movie they are well worth taking a closer look at.
Les Galantine (Steve Buscemi) is the dregs of the paparazzi. He lives in a crap hole apartment in a bad neighborhood and the only thing worse than the neighborhood he lives in is the inside of his apartment. He has horrible parents whom he still visits and has attachments to. And when we see the three of them together it is very sad. A homeless guy named Toby (Michael Pitt) weasels his way into Les's life, and his crap hole apartment, and is eventually promoted from non-rent-paying roommate who sleeps in the closet to paparazzi's assistant. Had enough yet? There's more. Wait until K'Harma Leeds, pop diva, shows up with her entourage. At one point we see her sitting before a Magnus Chord Organ, (like the one I got for Christmas in 1974), composing her next hit. When we later see her perform it at a music awards show we realize what a joke it was that she agonized over whether to use the word "searching" or "looking" because her ONLY talent is that she lip syncs and dances like a stripper, i.e. a pop diva.
The relationship between Les Galantine and Toby is the centerpiece of the story. Les is needy and repulsive all at the same time. He perspires desperation and fear of abandonment. Toby, goes with the flow. And the flow eventually takes him from homeless guy, to pop diva hanger oner, to star of his own really really bad TV show called "Toby" where he plays a homeless serial killer, named Toby. And just a quick reminder here, his name in real life is Toby. This show is so bad they couldn't even be bothered to imagine a different name for the main character so they just used the name of it's "star". His rise to stardom, his romantic intrigues, and his "go with the flow" style of living, are all expertly written as commentary on the vapid lives and personalities of people who are famous for being famous. The writing and directing, by Tom Dicillo, is witty, poignant, and surgical in it's precision. There is not a wasted word or moment anywhere.
Steve Buscemi is great in everything he does. He is brilliant in "Delirious" . Michael Pitt plays Toby with a warmth and sympathy that makes the process of getting a closer look at those around him tolerable. Honestly, I don't think I'm in the "Michael Pitt demographic", and I've never really gotten him as an actor, until this film. He expertly ties all the disparate elements of these characters, Les Galantine, the talentless pop diva (Allison Lohman), the casting agent (Gina Gershon) and their stories, together in a very compelling performance. I have way big respect for him now...
It is not explicitly spelled out but I would like to go on record here to say that I think Les Galantine is gay and in love with Toby. And although that's not central to the story line it does inform us, somewhat, about this sad injured creature. Steve Buscemi, as Les Galantine, is hard to watch and hard to pull away from from beginning to end. That's talent. Equal credit has to go to the writer/director Tom Dicillo. The story, sometimes mocking, sometimes tender, is written and executed perfectly. The pace is perfect. When it's done you don't even know where the time went. If you like well made, interesting movies, with gobs of talent from beginning to end, watch this one. The ending will surprise you, and the journey is well worth it no matter what. By the way, my friend was not in this movie, and the character I thought he was playing never showed up again...
Les Galantine (Steve Buscemi) is the dregs of the paparazzi. He lives in a crap hole apartment in a bad neighborhood and the only thing worse than the neighborhood he lives in is the inside of his apartment. He has horrible parents whom he still visits and has attachments to. And when we see the three of them together it is very sad. A homeless guy named Toby (Michael Pitt) weasels his way into Les's life, and his crap hole apartment, and is eventually promoted from non-rent-paying roommate who sleeps in the closet to paparazzi's assistant. Had enough yet? There's more. Wait until K'Harma Leeds, pop diva, shows up with her entourage. At one point we see her sitting before a Magnus Chord Organ, (like the one I got for Christmas in 1974), composing her next hit. When we later see her perform it at a music awards show we realize what a joke it was that she agonized over whether to use the word "searching" or "looking" because her ONLY talent is that she lip syncs and dances like a stripper, i.e. a pop diva.
The relationship between Les Galantine and Toby is the centerpiece of the story. Les is needy and repulsive all at the same time. He perspires desperation and fear of abandonment. Toby, goes with the flow. And the flow eventually takes him from homeless guy, to pop diva hanger oner, to star of his own really really bad TV show called "Toby" where he plays a homeless serial killer, named Toby. And just a quick reminder here, his name in real life is Toby. This show is so bad they couldn't even be bothered to imagine a different name for the main character so they just used the name of it's "star". His rise to stardom, his romantic intrigues, and his "go with the flow" style of living, are all expertly written as commentary on the vapid lives and personalities of people who are famous for being famous. The writing and directing, by Tom Dicillo, is witty, poignant, and surgical in it's precision. There is not a wasted word or moment anywhere.
Steve Buscemi is great in everything he does. He is brilliant in "Delirious" . Michael Pitt plays Toby with a warmth and sympathy that makes the process of getting a closer look at those around him tolerable. Honestly, I don't think I'm in the "Michael Pitt demographic", and I've never really gotten him as an actor, until this film. He expertly ties all the disparate elements of these characters, Les Galantine, the talentless pop diva (Allison Lohman), the casting agent (Gina Gershon) and their stories, together in a very compelling performance. I have way big respect for him now...
It is not explicitly spelled out but I would like to go on record here to say that I think Les Galantine is gay and in love with Toby. And although that's not central to the story line it does inform us, somewhat, about this sad injured creature. Steve Buscemi, as Les Galantine, is hard to watch and hard to pull away from from beginning to end. That's talent. Equal credit has to go to the writer/director Tom Dicillo. The story, sometimes mocking, sometimes tender, is written and executed perfectly. The pace is perfect. When it's done you don't even know where the time went. If you like well made, interesting movies, with gobs of talent from beginning to end, watch this one. The ending will surprise you, and the journey is well worth it no matter what. By the way, my friend was not in this movie, and the character I thought he was playing never showed up again...
Almost a sad drama
Enchorde16 October 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Recap: Les Galantine is a wannabe photographer that makes do by selling the odd picture as a paparazzi. One day his path crosses the one of Toby Grace, a homeless young man that tries to find his place in the world. Toby becomes Les' unpaid assistant, working for a place to sleep, food and with a dream to become an actor one day. But for now he follows Les around hunting for celebrity photos, and one day his eyes meet the eyes of young pop diva K'Harma. Without meeting they seem to have a connection, one that may put Toby's friendship with Les in jeopardy.
Comments: Classified as Comedy/Drama Delirious is more drama than comedy. It's more about trust and friendship than jokes. It is a bit satirical about the paparazzi – celebrity symbiosis and provides a few odd scenes that makes you smile, but most it is almost a sad movie about how people can live in the middle of a great city and be so completely alone. Without any real connections to anybody else, without any real friends.
Once again Steve Buscemi gives a stellar performance even if this is not his best. Buscemi is to me one of the most underrated actors out there. However it is a shame that his character in Delirious, Les Galantine, is a pretty sad one. Les is egoistic and has big problems with trusting anyone else and letting someone in close. His character is very much not especially funny. Unfortunately. Buscemi has the talent to give his character a much more comic aspect, but I don't think that that was the idea here.
Pitt is also good as the naïve and confirmation seeking Toby. He has dreams but his humble situation makes him thankful for anything that comes his way. His journey is the longest and reaches from almost the deepest low to the highest point on the status ladder, and he has not always an easy time to handle that change. The conflicts that arise between him and Les is interesting.
It is a good movie, especially if you don't expect a wacky one from the outset. Good cast and an interesting story. But in my opinion this is one that will soon become lost and forgotten in the sea of movies.
6/10
Comments: Classified as Comedy/Drama Delirious is more drama than comedy. It's more about trust and friendship than jokes. It is a bit satirical about the paparazzi – celebrity symbiosis and provides a few odd scenes that makes you smile, but most it is almost a sad movie about how people can live in the middle of a great city and be so completely alone. Without any real connections to anybody else, without any real friends.
Once again Steve Buscemi gives a stellar performance even if this is not his best. Buscemi is to me one of the most underrated actors out there. However it is a shame that his character in Delirious, Les Galantine, is a pretty sad one. Les is egoistic and has big problems with trusting anyone else and letting someone in close. His character is very much not especially funny. Unfortunately. Buscemi has the talent to give his character a much more comic aspect, but I don't think that that was the idea here.
Pitt is also good as the naïve and confirmation seeking Toby. He has dreams but his humble situation makes him thankful for anything that comes his way. His journey is the longest and reaches from almost the deepest low to the highest point on the status ladder, and he has not always an easy time to handle that change. The conflicts that arise between him and Les is interesting.
It is a good movie, especially if you don't expect a wacky one from the outset. Good cast and an interesting story. But in my opinion this is one that will soon become lost and forgotten in the sea of movies.
6/10
Ordinary
DavidBarak24 November 2021
Solid Indie Comedy-Drama with Heart
sundevil2719 January 2007
Just got back from the premiere screening at Sundance for Delirious and after the screening I felt like I'd picked a winner. What you get with this movie is a very solid performance from Michael Pitt who plays Toby a homeless kid in his early 20s that through a chance encounter finds a friend in struggling paparazzi Len played by a on fire Steve Bescumi. The movie follows Toby across a wide range of changes in his life that puts a strain on his relationship with Les and questions how far apart are those in front of the camera from those behind it. Micheal Pitt really breaks out here playing the role of Toby with a very natural wide eyed enthusiasm that wins over the audience from the beginning. Steve Buscemi tears it up in this role, as the edgy Les he perfectly portrays a loner who deeply wants to be something more then the despised paparazzi that he is. Some nice performances from Gina Gershon and Alison Lohman round out the cast.
I felt entertained and satisfied by the end of the movie, however film takes a a misguided turn at one point and I could fell most everyone in the audience thought it was regretful on the directors part and felt out of place in the movie. In the end though the film still works, unfortunate plot twist aside, you've got quality acting, fresh cinema and a excellent soundtrack that adds up to a solid experience.
I felt entertained and satisfied by the end of the movie, however film takes a a misguided turn at one point and I could fell most everyone in the audience thought it was regretful on the directors part and felt out of place in the movie. In the end though the film still works, unfortunate plot twist aside, you've got quality acting, fresh cinema and a excellent soundtrack that adds up to a solid experience.
Have fun laughing at some of the most hated people in journalism.
mark.waltz24 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The ridiculous side of modern celebrity worship is profiled through the performance of Steve Buscemi as an overly aggressive photo journalist who stocks celebrities in hopes of getting his photos published in the hot magazines and making it out of the independent rank of paparazzi with little morality in getting their job done. One day he encounters the homeless Michael Pitt who somehow get into Buscemi's heart as well as his closet, obtaining a job as his unpaid assistant. It's Buscemi's goal to get a picture of Allison Lohman, the latest hot commodity, as well as anyone above the D list. Stalking the streets of New York like a celebrity vulture, Buscemi turns Pitt's life around, giving his character a bit more depth even if it's impossible to completely like him. Buscemi's performance as a basically nasty opportunist is hysterically funny, not because the character is funny but because it's fun to laugh at how ridiculous he is.
This gets a rating from me above a below average simply because it had me laughing on and off at the ridiculous obsession with celebrity and notoriety, and the lecherous people the entertainment industry attracts because of the obsession to be star kissers. Many of the characters that appear in this film are abhorrent, and it's repulsive to watch them go out of their way to get glory when they really have nothing to offer. It's a very sad scene when Lohman's handlers tell her that she is being sued by her parents whom she has dumped out of her life simply because they want a piece of her pie. But it's difficult to spend two hours watching basically amoral people living such vapid lives. Pitt shows promise as the young desperate kid Buscemi helps out and begins to resent when he finds success in the business. After an hour, I felt very depressed realizing that this is the society we live in and nothing changes but the headlines.
This gets a rating from me above a below average simply because it had me laughing on and off at the ridiculous obsession with celebrity and notoriety, and the lecherous people the entertainment industry attracts because of the obsession to be star kissers. Many of the characters that appear in this film are abhorrent, and it's repulsive to watch them go out of their way to get glory when they really have nothing to offer. It's a very sad scene when Lohman's handlers tell her that she is being sued by her parents whom she has dumped out of her life simply because they want a piece of her pie. But it's difficult to spend two hours watching basically amoral people living such vapid lives. Pitt shows promise as the young desperate kid Buscemi helps out and begins to resent when he finds success in the business. After an hour, I felt very depressed realizing that this is the society we live in and nothing changes but the headlines.
Sharp writing, excellent acting
azeffer3 September 2007
Delirius has perhaps done the impossible. That is manage to blend equal parts cynicism and fantasy. These opposite qualities work off one another and result in a gem of a movie.
The smart observations of the celebrity industry are right on the mark. Yet the movie doesn't drown in satire. Human touches are smoothly interwoven into the plot. Most noteworthy is a scene when Steve Buscemi is desperately trying to attain approval from his sterile, rather nasty old parents. Also a standout moment is the scene that takes place at Kharma's hotel, when she first brings Toby there. It is amusing to see Buscemi's character Les become unraveled at Toby's success. Somehow the ending seemed so right, again showing hope and the good side of human nature among the muck of a mercenary, dog-eat-dog world.
The cast is excellent and the acting superb. This is a little cinematic treasure that deserves some recognition.
The smart observations of the celebrity industry are right on the mark. Yet the movie doesn't drown in satire. Human touches are smoothly interwoven into the plot. Most noteworthy is a scene when Steve Buscemi is desperately trying to attain approval from his sterile, rather nasty old parents. Also a standout moment is the scene that takes place at Kharma's hotel, when she first brings Toby there. It is amusing to see Buscemi's character Les become unraveled at Toby's success. Somehow the ending seemed so right, again showing hope and the good side of human nature among the muck of a mercenary, dog-eat-dog world.
The cast is excellent and the acting superb. This is a little cinematic treasure that deserves some recognition.
An Exceptional film!
tedhinshaw24 July 2011
This film has it all. The characters in the film aren't two-dimensional which is a breath of fresh air. I mean they really have soul. These characters have been damaged in some way in their lives but all have a redeeming quality that has you wanting more! The script is an original masterpiece. The lighting and photography are exquisitely dark and real. The editing is humorously witty: a paper is thrown down in one scene and a bomb goes off on the television in the next, which sets up the emotional tension in the next scene exquisitely (you'll recognize this if you see the picture)!!!
I especially enjoyed listening to the director give his take on the DVD as the movie plays. He has his "doctor" there to supervise him with thorazine, an occasional shot of JD whiskey, how cool is that! I guess you might say, who knows what is real or unreal about life anyhow!? He could really be crazy, I doubt that!! So you essentially get two movies for the price of one. A fine movie and wonderful bonus: ability to see the movie again with director commentary. Just Brilliant.
I must say that Steve Buscemi's acting is exquisite. He could have been a great silent film era actor, All one has to do is turn the sound off and watch his expressions. Not over acted but superbly expressed with a realistic demeanor. Love this actor!!! Not a handsome actor but a real one, which I prefer over the prior.
Please, if you have any cinematographic artistic LOVE in your spine, don't you dare miss DELIRIOUS!!!
I especially enjoyed listening to the director give his take on the DVD as the movie plays. He has his "doctor" there to supervise him with thorazine, an occasional shot of JD whiskey, how cool is that! I guess you might say, who knows what is real or unreal about life anyhow!? He could really be crazy, I doubt that!! So you essentially get two movies for the price of one. A fine movie and wonderful bonus: ability to see the movie again with director commentary. Just Brilliant.
I must say that Steve Buscemi's acting is exquisite. He could have been a great silent film era actor, All one has to do is turn the sound off and watch his expressions. Not over acted but superbly expressed with a realistic demeanor. Love this actor!!! Not a handsome actor but a real one, which I prefer over the prior.
Please, if you have any cinematographic artistic LOVE in your spine, don't you dare miss DELIRIOUS!!!
Steve Buscemi too good at being annoying
SnoopyStyle24 August 2014
Toby Grace (Michael Pitt) is a homeless actor wannabe. Les Galantine (Steve Buscemi) is a paparazzi. While Les is waiting for pop diva K'harma Leeds (Allison Lohman), Toby helps K'harma get away. Later, Toby becomes Les' assistant and even friend. However when K'harma pretends that Toby is her hook-up, Les is blocked from backstage and is angered. Toby befriends K'harma and is invited to her birthday party. He brings Les along as a favor. At the party, Les starts taking pictures and they're both thrown out. Toby and Les breakup. Eventually Toby becomes famous and a jealous Les vows to kill him.
Steve Buscemi is too angry, too pathetic, and too annoying to watch. It's a silly Hollywood stereotype of the loner creepy paparazzi loser. Michael Pitt doesn't show the necessary star presence. He needs to be more than a pretty boy. Alison Lohman is even less believable as a pop star. It doesn't help that her songs sound so bad. It could have been interesting to have a dark ending but the movie force a happy ending anyways. Tom DiCillo delivers little more than a passable B-movie.
Steve Buscemi is too angry, too pathetic, and too annoying to watch. It's a silly Hollywood stereotype of the loner creepy paparazzi loser. Michael Pitt doesn't show the necessary star presence. He needs to be more than a pretty boy. Alison Lohman is even less believable as a pop star. It doesn't help that her songs sound so bad. It could have been interesting to have a dark ending but the movie force a happy ending anyways. Tom DiCillo delivers little more than a passable B-movie.
Captivating!
fuglyloser1 February 2007
Delirious was excellent! I had the opportunity to catch the last showing at the Sundance Film Festival. The show was completely captivating. The storyline was very entertaining and the cast was completely lovable. Alison Lohman was brilliant. I highly recommend this movie if you enjoy character based comedies or if you have ever had an obsession. Character development is what makes this film so great. Tom DiCillo does an incredible job of thrusting you into these character's lives. Opinions of the characters change periodically throughout the show as you get to know them. When the plot begins to unfold, the story seems to be very predictable. However, you will be pleasantly surprised with a handful of unexpected circumstances. This film is easily one of the most entertaining at Sundance this year. I can't wait to add it to my personal collection.
Putting innocence in harm's way and not regretting it
socrates993 May 2008
Saw this on the big screen at this year's Ebertfest and the entire audience was unexpectedly touched by its skillfully rendered vision of a kinder, gentler Hollywood, one we probably only half know. The movie revolves around the two main leads, Steve Buscemi as the paparazzi Les Galantine, and Michael Pitt as the homeless innocent, Toby Grace. Probably the more impressive performance is Buscemi's who you can believe might have wanted to pass on this low budget indie. That would have been a great error as, for my money, this is his most memorable role by far.
Mr Buscemi easily captures your attention and holds it throughout the film, not that Les is the most admirable of people. He's often barely tolerable and unduly self-absorbed at the most inopportune moments in complete contrast to his wannabe assistant, Toby. Michael Pitt plays Toby with affection as though he wishes his real-life counterparts well. And then there's Alison Lohman as the rising young fan magnet, K'Harma Leeds, and Gina Gershon as the publicist and agent, Dana. All the leads are played extremely well and are peculiarly memorable. But it took a little bit of magic to have brought all these players together with an entertaining script and actually pull it off. And the credit has to go to Tom DiCillo who obviously has the knack. Here's hoping he make's more films along this line.
Mr Buscemi easily captures your attention and holds it throughout the film, not that Les is the most admirable of people. He's often barely tolerable and unduly self-absorbed at the most inopportune moments in complete contrast to his wannabe assistant, Toby. Michael Pitt plays Toby with affection as though he wishes his real-life counterparts well. And then there's Alison Lohman as the rising young fan magnet, K'Harma Leeds, and Gina Gershon as the publicist and agent, Dana. All the leads are played extremely well and are peculiarly memorable. But it took a little bit of magic to have brought all these players together with an entertaining script and actually pull it off. And the credit has to go to Tom DiCillo who obviously has the knack. Here's hoping he make's more films along this line.
Phenomenal
idil-ozdemir10 August 2007
Delirious is different, genuine, alive, funny and as close to real life miracle as it gets! This movie is so deep (in a very entertaining way), you feel as if you just read a classical novel; instead of the silly flicks we all are so accustomed to see these days. Steve Buscemi's captivating performance, Michael Pitt's innocent yet noble attitude, Gina Gerswin, Allison and Callie's brilliant and lovable performances just drags you into the movie, where you feel a connection with most, if not all of the leads...
It is not a fast paced action movie, it will not make you sit on the edge of your seat throughout, but you will feel enriched when you leave. Tom Dicillo has outdone himself (and certainly many others)! We all need more movies like Delirious.
It is not a fast paced action movie, it will not make you sit on the edge of your seat throughout, but you will feel enriched when you leave. Tom Dicillo has outdone himself (and certainly many others)! We all need more movies like Delirious.
A sweet, incredible story
catfish-er23 October 2009
I saw delirious on Showtime the other night; and, I really liked it. It was really late at night; but, I love Steve Buscemi as an actor; and, had to see it, as he got top billing! Steve Buscemi was great in Reservoir Dogs, Fargo, Trees Lounge, The Saprano's; and, even G-force. I really have to give him credit on this one too. He is absolutely passionate within the role of a semi-successful Paparazzi, who takes unstaged photographs of the famous, or nearly famous.
His character, Les, is not the most admirable or likable person. In fact, he is often self-absorbed, spouting off his philosophical beliefs to his assistant, Toby (played incredibly by Michael Pitt). However, it's Les' quirks that have the greatest impact on Toby, when he obtains some form of stardom, as he often quotes Les in terms of his feelings and beliefs. Alison Lohman plays K'Harma, and does a great job.
The twist at the end, which is heightened by the tension between Les and Toby was great. This movie could have been a tragedy; but, it ended up being a sweet, incredible story about relationships and romance.
His character, Les, is not the most admirable or likable person. In fact, he is often self-absorbed, spouting off his philosophical beliefs to his assistant, Toby (played incredibly by Michael Pitt). However, it's Les' quirks that have the greatest impact on Toby, when he obtains some form of stardom, as he often quotes Les in terms of his feelings and beliefs. Alison Lohman plays K'Harma, and does a great job.
The twist at the end, which is heightened by the tension between Les and Toby was great. This movie could have been a tragedy; but, it ended up being a sweet, incredible story about relationships and romance.
Pretty good film
MaskedSuperstarMrX30 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This film actually turned out to be a pretty good. I enjoyed the story and how it played out. Steve Buscemi played the role of "Les Galantine", who's a paparazzi, well. Even though Les himself doesn't consider himself one. Steve Buscemi made you not want to like him at times, so again, he played his character well. Michael Pitt played a very believable, "Toby Grace". Toby is a homeless man turned actor with the help of Les. It was enjoyable seeing this process take Toby gradually to the top. Just proves that anything in this world can happen. Sometimes it's just a matter of being at the right place at the right time. Which brings me to, Alison Lohman, who played "K'Harma Leeds". K'Harma is a famous singer. Toby being at the right place, right time, with K'Harma helped launch his soon to be career. I also enjoyed, Gina Gershon, who played Dana, a casting director. Overall, a very enjoyable film about the film/TV world. Oh, and about the paparazzi who follows them, of course.
one of the movies of the year
pepekwa2 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
just 8 reviews, 6.6 out of 10, this movie is an undiscovered gem, it does annoy me how great indie flicks like this get no air time and no publicity while some mainstream mediocre guff will stay in theaters for weeks because its from a better studio or better distribution rights were obtained.
rant over. steve buscemi is back to his best as the irascible, selfish maverick wannabe photographer who takes homeless michael pitt in and gives him board and lodging and attitude in return for some free "assistant"work. Great directing from Tom DiCillo gives their relationship a real "odd couple" situation with great drama infused with some genuinely funny scenes. Unintentionally while "working" with buscemi, pitt meets casting agent Gina Gershon (who it has to be said looks unbelievable for 46) and pop star/love interest alison lohman. What makes the movie is the way the story follows Pitt's innocent progression up the celebrity ladder while at the same time chronicles Buscemi's growing jealousy and despair at having lost his only true friend and his antagonism that he (very indirectly) helped him acquire this new found fame and fortune. Great cast who all worked well with each other, great suspense at the end and a good parody of the whole celebrity industry, currently on starz, don't miss it!
rant over. steve buscemi is back to his best as the irascible, selfish maverick wannabe photographer who takes homeless michael pitt in and gives him board and lodging and attitude in return for some free "assistant"work. Great directing from Tom DiCillo gives their relationship a real "odd couple" situation with great drama infused with some genuinely funny scenes. Unintentionally while "working" with buscemi, pitt meets casting agent Gina Gershon (who it has to be said looks unbelievable for 46) and pop star/love interest alison lohman. What makes the movie is the way the story follows Pitt's innocent progression up the celebrity ladder while at the same time chronicles Buscemi's growing jealousy and despair at having lost his only true friend and his antagonism that he (very indirectly) helped him acquire this new found fame and fortune. Great cast who all worked well with each other, great suspense at the end and a good parody of the whole celebrity industry, currently on starz, don't miss it!
Get delirious with a touch of hilarious
Alexisonbrownie2 August 2007
Written and Directed by Tom DiCillo comes an Independent off beat Drama-Comedy, Delirious, which will premiere in theatres in mid-August in New York, followed by Chicago and LA. The plot follows a minor celebrity photographer Les Galantine (Steve Buscemi) has big dreams, but he can't quite talk himself into the right parties to get that one great exclusive photo. He meets Toby Grace (Michael Pitt), a homeless kid who is drawn to the bright lights of New York City with a desire to one day achieve stardom himself, and hires him as his assistant. Alison Lohman also stars as Toby's love interest as a pop musician, K'Harma Leeds, alongside a guest appearance by Gina Gershon.
The last we saw of Tom DiCillo (Double Whammy, Living in Oblivion) and Steve Buscemi (Armageddon, Con air) was on the set of Double Whammy (2001) when they collaborated to form a rather mediocre film along with the infamous Dennis Leary. This time around, with the introduction of Michael Pitt (Bully, The Dreamers) and Alison Lohman (White Oleander, Matchstick Men) along with a cameo by Elvis Costello (Cold Mountain, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me), who also provides some of the music for the soundtrack, DiCillo, a former Sundance winner, is surely here to make his mark. Delirious has already won awards at the San Sebastián International Film Festival for Best Director and Best Screenplay and is currently sweeping audiences of their feet at The Sundance Film Festival.
Delirious explores the theme of dating/exploring the celebrity lifestyle, which has been around in Hollywood for a while, from movies like, Paparazzi (1998/I) to Being John Malkovich (1999) and Almost Famous (2000) among many others. This film promises to deliver the glamour of the shallow celebrity lifestyle in contrast with another prominent theme of the irony that separates appearance vs. reality in Hollywood. The soundtrack shows potential with most of the music delivered by Elvis Costello himself.
In conclusion, be stoked for delirious because it promises to be hilarious but with a little twist! I recommend you check this movie out as soon as it hits theatres near you in New York City (August 15th, 2007), Los Angeles (August 17th, 2007) and Chicago (August 31st, 2007) just to name a few. Some promotional videos/website should keep you Delirious for a while.
The official Delirious website: www.deliriousthemovie.com
NEW* official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYxHfD77kTs
Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/deliriousthemovie
Runtime:107 Mins
Reviewed by: Kunal Gulati (kgulati@uwo.ca)
The last we saw of Tom DiCillo (Double Whammy, Living in Oblivion) and Steve Buscemi (Armageddon, Con air) was on the set of Double Whammy (2001) when they collaborated to form a rather mediocre film along with the infamous Dennis Leary. This time around, with the introduction of Michael Pitt (Bully, The Dreamers) and Alison Lohman (White Oleander, Matchstick Men) along with a cameo by Elvis Costello (Cold Mountain, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me), who also provides some of the music for the soundtrack, DiCillo, a former Sundance winner, is surely here to make his mark. Delirious has already won awards at the San Sebastián International Film Festival for Best Director and Best Screenplay and is currently sweeping audiences of their feet at The Sundance Film Festival.
Delirious explores the theme of dating/exploring the celebrity lifestyle, which has been around in Hollywood for a while, from movies like, Paparazzi (1998/I) to Being John Malkovich (1999) and Almost Famous (2000) among many others. This film promises to deliver the glamour of the shallow celebrity lifestyle in contrast with another prominent theme of the irony that separates appearance vs. reality in Hollywood. The soundtrack shows potential with most of the music delivered by Elvis Costello himself.
In conclusion, be stoked for delirious because it promises to be hilarious but with a little twist! I recommend you check this movie out as soon as it hits theatres near you in New York City (August 15th, 2007), Los Angeles (August 17th, 2007) and Chicago (August 31st, 2007) just to name a few. Some promotional videos/website should keep you Delirious for a while.
The official Delirious website: www.deliriousthemovie.com
NEW* official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYxHfD77kTs
Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/deliriousthemovie
Runtime:107 Mins
Reviewed by: Kunal Gulati (kgulati@uwo.ca)
Great Date Flick
rewolfson7 April 2014
Loved it. Bought it at a flea market with no expectations other than liking Steve Buscemi and his choice of rolls, and I wasn't disappointed.
I am not a fan of Hollywood, of newer movies (most, and the sea of bad movies is vast), or of hand-held video and scenes of brief duration. This film uses the language of film, film making, and what I can only imagine its inside understanding to tell a story as simple and real as its sometimes homely characters. Somehow, the homelier, regular folk make the beautiful people beautiful, a metaphor for the whole celebrity industry.
These stars shine. There is nothing assuming. It is an understated bit of film making that simply uses the medium to tell its tale. If there are movies about movies, ,like "Day for Night" or Fellini's great, "And the Ship Sailed On," this one joins the pantheon. And the story reels you in (film pun intended) and holds you to the end.
It is lovely, joyful and refreshing, meaning to be without the heavy hand.
Thanks, Steve and thank you whoever left it at the flea market, new and unopened, for me to discover. Great date flick. Loved it.
I am not a fan of Hollywood, of newer movies (most, and the sea of bad movies is vast), or of hand-held video and scenes of brief duration. This film uses the language of film, film making, and what I can only imagine its inside understanding to tell a story as simple and real as its sometimes homely characters. Somehow, the homelier, regular folk make the beautiful people beautiful, a metaphor for the whole celebrity industry.
These stars shine. There is nothing assuming. It is an understated bit of film making that simply uses the medium to tell its tale. If there are movies about movies, ,like "Day for Night" or Fellini's great, "And the Ship Sailed On," this one joins the pantheon. And the story reels you in (film pun intended) and holds you to the end.
It is lovely, joyful and refreshing, meaning to be without the heavy hand.
Thanks, Steve and thank you whoever left it at the flea market, new and unopened, for me to discover. Great date flick. Loved it.
Paparazzo
jotix1001 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Les, a self proclaimed photo journalist, can be found at many of the media events in Manhattan on any given night. He is tough, but alas, he is not as fortunate in his work. There are others with better connections that get to places where Les cannot fathom to go. His luck is about to change, much to his surprise, when he meets Toby, a homeless young man trying to eke a living in New York. Toby is a perfect match for Les. When the two meet, Les has been waiting to get a picture on the luscious K'Harma, a singer with a lousy love life.
Les buys into the idea that Toby can be his assistant, when they meet again. Toby is asked to come to stay in Les' dilapidated Chinatown apartment. One thing though, Toby is not to mess around with the computer, where Les keeps his files. Things change for Les as he takes Toby into his home, even though he never trusts the kid. Les is a hoarder, always insisting in taking the gift bags that are given at any of the events.
Les begins to get lucky. With Toby's help he snaps a picture of an actor as he comes out of a private doctor's office where he has undergone a procedure that has to do with his penis. That picture brings him seven hundred dollars and the temporary fame that goes with it. When Les brings Toby to his parents' home. All the parents want to know is whether Toby, with his good looks is gay. Evidently, they have their doubts about the strange pairing he makes with their own Les.
Toby doesn't realize his life is about to change, when he happens to be innocently standing next to K'Harma at an event he is helping Les to cover. K'Harma likes what she sees, inviting the young man to the VIP lounge and later on to her hotel, where they spend the night without engaging in sex. Les wants to get to be near the singer because she is hot. The opportunity comes in the way of an invitation to K'Harma's own birthday party. Les, unfortunately, decided to bring a small camera to take pictures of the celebrities at the party, something that annoys the guests and the birthday girl. Eventually, Toby discovers the truth about Les' intentions for selling the party's photographs to a trashy magazine and bolts from Les' apartment.
Toby catches the eye of Dana, a casting director. He is asked to play an ongoing part in a series based, more or less, on his own experiences surviving in the city. Toby, who becomes a minor celebrity, is reunited with K'Harma as they both attend an event that put them together in the red carpet, while Les who has come to deal with his former assistant, is singled out among the crowd by none other than Toby himself.
Tom DiCillo, the director of "Delirious", is a man that is familiar with the trappings of celebrity, as he has shown in some of his other movies. Mr. DiCillo knows about hype and what is real and what's not. He takes an incisive look at all the phoniness of that silly world in which illiterate nobodies have their fifteen minutes worth of fame and how they burn after their lack of talent make them disappear from the scene. Les is an empty soul trying to make a living out of that unreal world. He is one of the many predators trying to take the shot that will sell in the printed media at all costs.
Steve Buscemi is perfect as Les. Mr. Buscemi, who has worked with the director before, does an amazing job creating this reptilian character that doesn't show any redeeming qualities and who feeds the public's appetite for gossip and the latest dirt. Michael Pitt does an amazing job as Toby, the sweet street guy. Alison Lohman plays K'Harma. There are many many well known faces in the cast. Tom Aldredge and Doris Belack are good as Les' parents. Gina Gershon shines as Dana, the casting director with an ulterior motive.
Frank DeMarco, the cinematographer captures the Manhattan of the late night crowd. Good views of the Meat Packing District and other locales. Anton Sanko's score blends well in the background.
The film is highly recommended to Tom DiCillo's and Steve Buscemi's fans. They will not be disappointed.
Les buys into the idea that Toby can be his assistant, when they meet again. Toby is asked to come to stay in Les' dilapidated Chinatown apartment. One thing though, Toby is not to mess around with the computer, where Les keeps his files. Things change for Les as he takes Toby into his home, even though he never trusts the kid. Les is a hoarder, always insisting in taking the gift bags that are given at any of the events.
Les begins to get lucky. With Toby's help he snaps a picture of an actor as he comes out of a private doctor's office where he has undergone a procedure that has to do with his penis. That picture brings him seven hundred dollars and the temporary fame that goes with it. When Les brings Toby to his parents' home. All the parents want to know is whether Toby, with his good looks is gay. Evidently, they have their doubts about the strange pairing he makes with their own Les.
Toby doesn't realize his life is about to change, when he happens to be innocently standing next to K'Harma at an event he is helping Les to cover. K'Harma likes what she sees, inviting the young man to the VIP lounge and later on to her hotel, where they spend the night without engaging in sex. Les wants to get to be near the singer because she is hot. The opportunity comes in the way of an invitation to K'Harma's own birthday party. Les, unfortunately, decided to bring a small camera to take pictures of the celebrities at the party, something that annoys the guests and the birthday girl. Eventually, Toby discovers the truth about Les' intentions for selling the party's photographs to a trashy magazine and bolts from Les' apartment.
Toby catches the eye of Dana, a casting director. He is asked to play an ongoing part in a series based, more or less, on his own experiences surviving in the city. Toby, who becomes a minor celebrity, is reunited with K'Harma as they both attend an event that put them together in the red carpet, while Les who has come to deal with his former assistant, is singled out among the crowd by none other than Toby himself.
Tom DiCillo, the director of "Delirious", is a man that is familiar with the trappings of celebrity, as he has shown in some of his other movies. Mr. DiCillo knows about hype and what is real and what's not. He takes an incisive look at all the phoniness of that silly world in which illiterate nobodies have their fifteen minutes worth of fame and how they burn after their lack of talent make them disappear from the scene. Les is an empty soul trying to make a living out of that unreal world. He is one of the many predators trying to take the shot that will sell in the printed media at all costs.
Steve Buscemi is perfect as Les. Mr. Buscemi, who has worked with the director before, does an amazing job creating this reptilian character that doesn't show any redeeming qualities and who feeds the public's appetite for gossip and the latest dirt. Michael Pitt does an amazing job as Toby, the sweet street guy. Alison Lohman plays K'Harma. There are many many well known faces in the cast. Tom Aldredge and Doris Belack are good as Les' parents. Gina Gershon shines as Dana, the casting director with an ulterior motive.
Frank DeMarco, the cinematographer captures the Manhattan of the late night crowd. Good views of the Meat Packing District and other locales. Anton Sanko's score blends well in the background.
The film is highly recommended to Tom DiCillo's and Steve Buscemi's fans. They will not be disappointed.
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