Retro Film Review: Delirious (2006)

Of the many negative things in US film industry, few are as annoying as the tendency of critics to shower praise on “quirky” low budget films when they actually deliver the same content you might expect from big budget mainstream productions. One such example is Delirium, 2006 film by Tom Di Cillo, a director who has actually built reputation as an independent filmmaker.

The film's main character is Toby Grace (played by Micahel Pitt), young homeless man in New York Ciyt who, in exchange for food and shelter, gets hired as an assistant by a struggling tabloid photographer, Leo Gallantine (played by Steve Buscemi). One of Gallantine's targets is the teenage pop star K'Harma Leeds (played by Allison Lohman). During an attempt to get a shot for the tabloids, Toby inadvertently ends up at a party hosted by K'Harma, and even spends the night with her. The next morning, the lovestruck Toby must decide whether to continue relationship to K'Harma or remain loyal to his mentor.

Critics—at least those inclined to praise films simply for being “independen”—have interpreted 'Delirium' as a satire on contemporary culture represented by shallow celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. However, the satirical edge of this film has been dulled, and the viewers expecting some kind of hilarious comedy will have little reason to laugh. On the other hand, Di Cillo attempts to “humanise” the despised paparazzi by portraying their difficult economic position, but the seriousness of this approach is compromised by a series of outrageous plot twists that would be difficult even for a child to accept. Instead of being a fierce critique of the emptiness of contemporary pop culture, Delirium has turned into a tribute to it.

Although the film itself represents a major misfire, it does not mean that there aren't a few bright moments. Most of them belong to Steve Buscemi, an icon of independent films and one of the greatest character actors of 21st Century, who, as expected, steals the show in his thankless role. Alison Lohman must also be mentioned, although her charm and talent are tragically wasted in this film. This primarily refers to a parody of contemporary music videos by Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in which the heroine of White Oleander is fittingly “dressed” while performing the song 'Take This Love and Shove It'. To the great disappointment of viewers, the scene featuring music video lasts only a few seconds. Perhaps Di Cillo had reasons to deprive the audience of that song—its title could also apply to the film itself.

RATING: 3/10 (+)

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