Customer Reviews

Delirious

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm calling it for the record. Writer/director Tom DiCillo must officially be one of our most underrated and underappreciated talents. As a huge fan of 1995's "Living in Oblivion," one of the most on-point satires of the filmmaking process, I followed his career through several more low-key titles before losing track of him altogether. Why "Living in Oblivion," in particular, isn't considered a minor classic is heartbreaking. Relegated these days, it seems, to directing episodic TV--he did emerge on the film festival circuit in 2009 with a Grammy winning documentary on The Doors. But I present all of the build-up because I was astounded to come across the film "Delirious" made in 2006 starring Steve Buscemi and Michael Pitt among a plethora of other familiar faces. I've never even heard of the movie! I suppose it's possible that I've seen the movie listing on premium cable channels, but with the meaningless title of "Delirious"--I probably thought it was a rebroadcast of the John Candy extravaganza. And for the record, it is a terrible title that offers nothing about the film itself and truly doesn't fit.

Once again, Dicillo points his lens at the Hollywood machine and the pursuit of fame. The story focuses on a low-level paparazzo (Buscemi) as he befriends and exploits an enthusiastic young homeless man with dreams of being an actor (Pitt). Buscemi is emotionally closed off, but the allure of having a protege that idealizes and needs him starts to soften his tough exterior. The two start working the fame circuit looking for the perfect picture to launch a legitimate business. On a fateful evening at work, Pitt stumbles into the path of a pop starlet played by Alison Lohman. This sets a new course of events as Pitt has a chance to rise from the streets, but it leaves Buscemi alternately pleased and jealous. The movie expertly savages numerous topics including the music industry, reality TV, and (of course) the paparazzi. It's often laugh-ou-loud funny, sometimes silly--but also strangely sad and sweet. Surprisingly, the film works on a number of unexpected levels.

While Buscemi (a regular DiCillo actor) is delightfully edgy and unapologetic, the film in many ways belongs to the ethereal Pitt. A puppy dog, if ever there was one, it's hard not to be caught up in Pitt's journey and to wish him ultimate success. He is incapable of playing the Hollywood game and throughout the movie wants to be true and loyal to himself and his emotions. It's such a sweet representation, it stands in direct conflict with the political maneuvering and machinations within the industry. This juxtaposition really works and distinguishes "Delirious" (still hate the title) from other films covering similar ground in more jaded ways. This may not be the instant classic that "Living in Oblivion" is, but it has heart and smarts to spare. Go out of your way--especially if you love films set in the entertainment world--to find this one. And then check out DiCillo's back catalogue. KGHarris, 9/11.

DELIRIOUS

I have always been a huge fan of Steve Buscemi and try to buy any and every thing he is involved in, this film included and I am glad I own it. This is a strangle little tale that was and indie hit especially at Sundance. I have no idea why it took me so long to review this but I guess later is better than never. This really is a good yet quirky movie, really it is.

The film follows Les Galantine [Buscemi] a paparazzi even though he thinks he is better than that, and a young homeless actor wannabe named Toby Grace [Michael Pitt]. These two come together by chance when Les is waiting to get some shots of a singer/actress played by Alison Lohman. While waiting for her Toby literally runs into him and offers his services as an assistant, his first job is to go get him some coffee. On his way back he gets his first glance of the singer and falls in love. From a weird some what non trusting friendship builds between the two as Les lets Toby live with him if he works for free. As the story moves on we see one succeed in life while the other comes to terms with whom and what he truly is.

This is a crazy story full of betrayal and backstabbing and not just between the two lead characters. Writer/director Tom DiCillo did a wonderful job with this film particularly with the script. The story and characters are excellent and some of the most interesting I have seen in a while. And his direction is top notch showing us this film through his eyes, very interesting tale of life on the outside edge of the fast lane.

Steve Buscemi is brilliant as usual in this film and is nothing short of becoming this character named Les. He is a guy who try's to live like he is better than what he is, a paparazzi. He is also not the nicest guy as he takes complete advantage of Toby using him to get what ever he wants, like helping him sneak into parties and get pictures. Toby is played masterfully by Michael Pitt and is just a nice guy looking for some help but Les rubs off on him a little. Pitt actually may be the show stealer in this one but still I think Buscemi is the best. Alison Lohman is great as the singer who falls for Les but is just as lost as him even though she is successful. To be honest this is one of those films were even people in the back ground are great, just a good film over all.

This is a very interesting and entertaining film that I would recommend to any one reading this. I did not want to give much away but still I found it to be one of the better films I have seen recently. I mean come on Buscemi is in it, that should be enough for any one to want to see this movie.

I've always been a big Steve Buscemi fan, and he can hold a movie together just about as well as anyone, and this is no different.

Buscemi does a great job portraying on the role of a paparazzi photographer who is waiting for his opportunity to get the 'shot heard 'round the world'. In his journey, he finds himself a friend in a homeless Toby, who dreams of becoming an actor. The interplay between the two characters drives this movie.

The acting is pretty well done, but Buscemi, with his usual strong performance makes the movie good.

I recommend a rental.

This is not really a review. Just wanted to point out a few things. If you read in the film description above it says "Toby gets an acting job on a reality TB show."
They haven't started making these shows about tuberculosis yet. They're still just making reality TV shows.

Plus, they don't mention there are a lot of extras included on this dvd. Here they are:
--Director's commentary.
--18 minute behind-the-scenes featurette with DiCillo and Buscemi.
--full-length version of the music video for the song Alison Lohman performs in the film.
--3 video podcasts made to promote the film on the web. They star Buscemi, DiCillo and Gershon.

In "Delirious," Les (played by Steve Buscemi), a jittery, disorganized and neurotic paparazzo, takes in a scruffy, homeless kid named Toby (Micheal Pitt)for a night and then decides to make Toby his (go-fer) assistant. But the middle-aged Les is a great pretender. He's actually a scrounging bottom-feeder, a deluded dreamer who teaches Toby some of the tricks of his trade--everything from gate-crashing high- and low-end parties for the free buffet spreads to swiping goodie bags from glitzy premiers and media events. Toby, however, turns out to be trustworthy, calm, sweet-natured and, most importantly, a very good looking young man who soon attracts the attentions of a casting agent (Gina Gershon) and, later still, a troubled starlet (Alison Lohman). Pulled up from the bottom, Toby becomes a star, leaving a jealous, possessive and increasingly infuriated Les to stew in his own grungy, hand-to-mouth existence. "Delirious" is ostensibly about the men's hard-bitten relationship. But as written and directed by Tom DiCillo, this independently-made film is actually a very tart commentary on the symbiotic relationship between media-driven infatuation and the fishbowl of celebrity culture--although "Delirious" is less cynical and far less fatalistic than its prototype, "Midnight Cowboy" (the 1969 X-rated Oscar-winning movie which starred Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight in comparable roles). As with "Midnight Cowboy," there is an undeniable core of feeling that develops between the two characters. Overall, this is an above-average movie that is definitely worth checking out!

Of course this movie isn't going to win any academy awards, but still it's great. It's original and funny. And who doesn't love Steve Buscemi and Michael Pitt (who work together now in HBO's Boardwalk Empire- also fantastic). The story is Steve Buscemi is a paparazzi, except don't use that term around him.. and Michael Pitt is homeless and offers to help him (be his errand boy, etc). They get in to some pretty funny sircumstances that involve photos of celebrities, etc.. I won't reveal all what happens, but the dialogue is great. One to check out definetly.

I absolutely loved this one. It's definitely not a comedy at all in my opinion, more of a straight drama with the occasional dark comedic elements thrown in. The story follow a down on his luck paparazzi who takes in a homeless kid as his assistant. The story however takes a more contemplative and darker turn the second half; I won't say what happens because it would give away too much. Acting by Michael Pitt and Steve Buscemi is solid throughout too. This one is really worth a shot, you just might love it like I did if you give it a chance. Highly recommended. 4.25/5 stars.

Just saw this feature on MGM-HD channel. Never heard of it before. It is a laugh riot. But, someone says it is similar to MIDNIGHT COWBOY. That's strange to me. MIDNIGHT COWBOY was the first X-rated feature to win an Oscar for best picture. Today, it has been rated R.

Comparing that film with Delirious is like Jeeps to Cadillacs. Michael Pitts is no Jon Voight. There is no comparison. Pitts is a good actor as well as Buscemi. Buscemi is the reason I watched this feature. And he does a good job, as he has in all of his film history. This is a low budget B type of film. But, it is one of the best of this genre. I am purchasing it for my collection. It is total camp and goes beyond rental. It's a collectible.

MIDNIGHT COWBOY had a leading director and a budget that fitted the story. It is still one of my top 5 movies. Don't compare an Oscar winner to a B film. Delirious, like I say, is entertaining, funny, and for me a collectible. It's a picture for group viewing with perhaps, a joint in their hand-smile! MIDNIGHT COWBOY is the film that started Voight's career. Nobody, other than him, could do the role so convincingly. Voight was "eye" candy. Michael Pitts isn't, at least in this film. But, he is a good actor. He should have smiled more.

This DVD was not that bad. The story line was very interesting but it kinda dragged on a little. The movie in general was pretty good though.

Delirious
Everyone talks about Steve Buscemi, okay, he's great, but we've seen him a thousand times before. What about Michael Pitt? He has made some interesting choices in his career, and this character is no different. He does have a beautiful face, and that's what gets him where he arrives at the end of this movie. Is he a talented actor? You betcha. He is more talented that Steve Buscemi? That's a good question. Steve Buscemi is good at what he does, whether in indie films, acting and directing, or on "The Sopranos". Michael Pitt is always spectacular. He is someone to watch. He is riveting. I watched (and bought) this movie because Michael Pitt was in it. I am not disappointed.