Johnny_Guitar

Delinquent (1995)

Little known gem!

Just caught up with this film after 'meeting' director/writer/producer Peter Christian Hall online through mutual friends. Peter is best known as a freelance writer based in New York who has written articles for the likes of Rolling Stone, the Village Voice and the New York Times, but here he shows a visual eye as well. The story features 15-year-old Tim whose mother killed herself and left her body for him to find, and whose father is a policeman in small-town New York where they have recently moved. Tim's father is also abusive and part of Tim's way of coping is through a fantasy life. Soon fantasy and reality merge, as Tim tries to deal with his situation. But it's not your typical coming-of-age movie. The story is told through interesting shots, dreams and fantasy sequences. And the direction is in very capable hands, especially for a first-time director who shows he knows a little something about making a film. The acting is more than adequate for a film shot on such a limited budget. And to top it all off, after meeting and interviewing Gang of Four for a publication, they watched the film and liked it enough to write the music, which perfectly fits the mood of the film. So bottom line, if you appreciate interesting, well-made independent Cinema, do yourself a favor and check this out. You won't regret it.