Delirious

Plot synopsis:
Jack Gable is the lead writer and producer of the soap opera Beyond Our Dreams. Consumed by his work, he harbors an unspoken attraction to Laura Claybourne, the selfish actress playing the lead character, Rachel Hedison.
Jack crosses paths with Louise, who is there to audition for the part of Janet DuBois, a character Jack did not want introduced. Jack then has a contentious meeting with his co-producers, the Sherwoods. The Sherwoods reveal that they are displeased with several elements of Jack's outline for the upcoming season and wish to kill off Rachel, due to Laura's outrageous contract demands. Feigning compromise, the Sherwoods immediately hire Arnie Federman, a rival of Jack's, to make the changes they desire. At the same time, Jack has suggested a new character, Jack Gates, a ruthless tycoon. The Sherwoods make no promise of writing Gates into the show, despite Jack's interest.
Planning a trip to Vermont for the weekend, Jack is contacted by Laura. She has just broken up with her boyfriend Dennis, the actor who plays Dr. Paul Kirkwood on the show, and wishes to accompany Jack. As Jack loads their luggage into the trunk, Dennis suddenly calls out to Rachel. Jack looks up to see them kissing just as the trunk lid hits him in the head. Upon awakening, he leaves for Vermont alone. Not far out of New York, he crashes his car.
Upon waking, Jack finds himself in Ashford Falls Community Hospital, one of the settings of his show. Thinking himself the victim of a prank by the actors, he goes to the window to confirm his suspicions, only to see a real town. Incredulous, he manages to convince Dr. Kirkwood of his good health and checks out of the hospital. He is immediately intercepted by Janet DuBois. She believes him to be Jack Gates, who is seeking to buy a miracle weight-loss formula developed by her late father. Jack rebuffs her, denies he is Gates and says that he is only a writer. As she leaves in frustration, she angrily tells him to "write his way out". On a whim, Jack gets out his typewriter and writes a scene of the local mechanic calling to say that his damaged car is fixed. Immediately after, the mechanic calls and confirms the repairs are finished. Jack realizes that he can control events by writing them.
Jack seizes his new found power to pursue Rachel, saving her from the death arranged for her by Federman. Despite his writing skills, she ignores him. His efforts are redeemed by the attentions of Janet. He assists her in her efforts to avoid the machinations of the Hedisons, including patriarch Carter and his sons, Blake and Ty. The Hedisons own a large pharmaceutical company, and wish to acquire her formula at any cost. The Federman version of Jack Gates appears, but Jack sends him on a business trip to Cleveland.
As Jack works to ingratiate himself to Rachel, he continues to run into Janet. The episodes culminate in a party at the Hedison mansion, where Jack accidentally breaks his typewriter. Helen Caldwell, a nurse at the hospital reveals that Rachel and Janet were switched at birth, with Janet being Carter's actual daughter. Rachel is confronted by a gun-wielding Blake, who has been experiencing side effects of an overdose of medication prescribed by Kirkwood, a scheme orchestrated by Rachel. Blake shoots Janet and she is rushed to the hospital, where Rachel convinces Kirkwood to kill her in surgery. Jack must race against time to repair his typewriter and write Janet back to health. As Jack begins to write, he is confronted by Gates, who is furious at having been sent to Cleveland and shoots at Jack with a shotgun, hitting the typewriter.
Jack wakes up back in New York, on the set of his own show, tended to by Laura and Dennis. He immediately confronts Laura about her behavior, revealing to her that she will be fired from the show. He confronts the Sherwoods about their plans for the show, and ensures that they will do things his way. He finds Louise in a delicatessen, gets her the part of Janet, and begins a relationship with her.

Tags: satire

Review:
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.
But in this movie they are well worth taking a closer look at.Les Galantine (Steve Buscemi) is the dregs of the paparazzi.
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.
The relationship between Les Galantine and Toby is the centerpiece of the story.
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.
Michael Pitt plays Toby with a warmth and sympathy that makes the process of getting a closer look at those around him tolerable.
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.
Steve Buscemi, as Les Galantine, is hard to watch and hard to pull away from from beginning to end.
If you like well made, interesting movies, with gobs of talent from beginning to end, watch this one.
By the way, my friend was not in this movie, and the character I thought he was playing never showed up again....
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.
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..
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.
The movie revolves around the two main leads, Steve Buscemi as the paparazzi Les Galantine, and Michael Pitt as the homeless innocent, Toby Grace.
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.
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.
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 was really late at night; but, I love Steve Buscemi as an actor; and, had to see it, as he got top billing!
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).
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.
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 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 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).
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.
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?.
Les (Steve Buscemi) is an amateur celebrity photographer who longs to get better shots that are worth more money.
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.
Soon, every other phrase out of Les' mouth is "rule number one", as he gives Toby pointers about photography and life.
Not long after, Toby actually MEETS K'Harma and she likes his looks.
But, will Toby let Les capitalize on this great chance to photograph K'Harma and those around her?
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..
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.
Bought it at a flea market with no expectations other than liking Steve Buscemi and his choice of rolls, and I wasn't disappointed.
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.
Les does so with a purpose: he sees a chance to meet with K'Harma Leeds, the hottest star of the moment.
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.
Steve Buscemi too good at being annoying.
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.
Eventually Toby becomes famous and a jealous Les vows to kill him.Steve Buscemi is too angry, too pathetic, and too annoying to watch.
Tom DiCillo delivers little more than a passable B-movie..
After a coffee run, homeless hunk Michael Pitt (as Toby Grace) asks to crash with seedy celebrity photographer Steve Buscemi (as Les Galantine).
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).
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.
Stay tuned for a coda, appearing after the end credits.****** Delirious (9/26/06) Tom DiCillo ~ Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, Alison Lohman, Gina Gershon.
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 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 just after the credits have rolled over, we get a little bit more involving the Les character..
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.
Steve Buscemi played the role of "Les Galantine", who's a paparazzi, well.
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.
Which brings me to, Alison Lohman, who played "K'Harma Leeds".
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.
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.
Things change for Les as he takes Toby into his home, even though he never trusts the kid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michael Pitt does an amazing job as Toby, the sweet street guy.
Alison Lohman plays K'Harma.
Tom Aldredge and Doris Belack are good as Les' parents.
Anton Sanko's score blends well in the background.The film is highly recommended to Tom DiCillo's and Steve Buscemi's fans.
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 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.
However it is a shame that his character in Delirious, Les Galantine, is a pretty sad one.
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.