Review of Delirious

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