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Delirious
R1 - America - Genius Products Review written by and copyright: Rob Fields (18th April 2008). |
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The Film
 It never fails. Every time when I see a movie featuring Steve Buscemi, I know I’m going to be in for a treat. He never ceases to amaze me with how well he can act. Every time I see him, I remember him as Mr. Pink in Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” (1992), that crazy guy in “Con Air” (1997), and the guy who WENT crazy in “Armageddon” (1998). He’s pretty big in the independent scene and has hits such as “Coffee & Cigarettes” (2003) and “Ghost World” (2001) to name a couple. I also had a chance to see him in person at the 2005 Cleveland International Film Festival. I didn’t meet him face-to-face, but the fact was that he was there to introduce the opening night film, “Lonesome Jim” (2005), a film which he directed, but didn’t appear in. Now when it comes to the other people in the film for review here, I’m familiar with a few of the films that Michael Pitt has acted in. A fried introduced me to the Larry Clark film “Bully” (2001). I’m not really big on Clark’s work, but this was one film I liked. Pitt didn’t have that big of a role, but he stood out in his own way. He really impressed me in Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Dreamers” (2003). He showed that he has what it takes to take on leading roles. And when it comes to Gina Gershon, she’s no stranger to me, either. I first saw her in “Showgirls” (1995). While I didn’t care much for her character, she was probably the one who stood out more than Elizabeth Berkley – and Gershon’s role was a supporting one. As time went on, she has been in one independent film after another. I’ve seen too many films in which she has appeared to list all of them. Still, I think of her as one of the biggest female stars of the independent scene. It is because of this that I have come to respect her over the years. Then there's Allison Lohman from “Where the Truth Lies” (2005). While she had only a supporting role in that film, she actually held her own against Kevin Bacon and Colin Firth. Like Pitt, she could definitely handle a leading role. “Delirious” has all four of these actors. So when this film was assigned to me for review and I saw all four of the actors mentioned above, I thought- 'this would definitely be an interesting film.' Let’s see how it turns out. “Delirious” (1:46:51) – Les (Steve Buscemi) is a small-time paparazzi desperate to make it big, he befriends Toby (Michael Pitt), a young homeless man with no direction except a vague desire to become and actor. When by chance Toby becomes romantically involved with a celebrity pop star (Alison Lohman), Les grows jealous and creates a devilish scheme to take down his former apprentice in this wickedly fun comedy. Gina Gershon and Elvis Costello also appear in this film. One of the things I liked is the chemistry between Buscemi, Pitt, and Lohman. They act their parts out well. You can tell they are all really into the moment when they are in the middle of their scenes. I also like how it is emphasized throughout the movie that celebrities and other famous people are no different from anybody else. I liked how the film leads one to think that the worst was going to happen, but things that were emphasized throughout the movie led to an alternate outcome. All in all, I especially enjoyed the fairy tale approach that was used. You’ll see what I mean when you watch the movie. The downsides? I didn’t exactly like some of the interactions outside the camera that played out between Toby (Pitt) and Dana (Gershon). This made me wonder where Toby’s loyalties truly were, with Dana or with K’harma (Lohman). I guess this part will be left up to you, the viewer. My lips are sealed. My final word: Once more, the independent film industry scores another hit. What can I say? It’s independent, it has great actors who can actually act, it has a great story – did I mention it’s independent? This one definitely deserves a place in your DVD collection. Thank you so much, Hollywood, for NOT making this movie. Oh, and one more thing, make sure you watch the movie all the way to the end (past the end credits).
Video
The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen format (1.85:1 ratio). As with many of the titles that I have reviewed from Genius Products, the transfer is excellent. The colors are bright and evident with each scene. Even the dull colors seem to shine. There are very little or no traces of actual film grain. There are no noticeable signs of dirt or other defects. There is a chapter selection option in case you wish to jump to your favorite scene in the movie.
Audio
The film features an English Dolby Digital 5.1 surround soundtrack. There are no optional subtitles available on any part of this DVD. In fact, there isn’t even a Setup option. The track sounds more like Dolby Digital 2.0 mono mix; everything seems more focused on the left and right front speakers. However, this isn’t one of those movies to where you need to be blown out through your front window. This is a comedy-drama, after all, not an action / heavy sci-fi film.
Extras
Genius products have included extras such as a director’s audio commentary, a featurette, promotional shorts, a music video, the original theatrical trailer and some bonus trailers reel. Read further for a glimpse at what they have to offer. There is a feature-length audio commentary track by director Tom DiCillo. Like most good commentaries, his is scene specific. He also goes into some of the history of the film along the way, like how long it took him to raise the money. To sum it up, DiCillo is all too happy to talk about his film. These are the commentaries I like to listen to. There is a single featurette “Stalking Delirious” which runs 14 minutes and 50 seconds. You will see some behind-the-scenes footage in which the director is featured along with Buscemi, who sports a goatee and not-so-black hair. They basically have a discussion as they are walking together. You will learn that this film wasn’t the first cooperative effort between them. You will learn about what led up to “Delirious”. There are three promotional shorts included. They are as follows: - "Delirious Marketing Meeting" runs for 5 minutes 38 seconds – The director goes to a meeting with some marketing executives. Let’s just say that things get U-G-L-Y!! - "Steve Buscemi is Pissed!" runs for 4 minutes 9 seconds – DiCillo talks with Buscemi after the marketing meeting. Steve isn’t too happy. - "Gina Gershon Sex Tape" runs for 3 minutes 55 seconds – DiCillo brings Gershon into a hotel room with a film crew waiting. She thinks she’s doing an interview, but in fact...and things get REALLY ugly. There is a music video by Allison Lohman, as her K’harma Leeds character, called “Shove It” which lasts 3 minutes and 36 seconds. Here, you see Lohman performing the video in a boxing ring with three other women as her ensemble. In fact, it’s the music video that Toby is watching in the movie itself. The disc also features the film's original theatrical trailer for the film which runs for 2 minutes 19 seconds. Rounding out the extras are a series of bonus trailers which play before the Main Menu only. You can chapter skip through them. The previews included are for: - "Watching the Detectives" which runs for 1 minute 40 seconds. - "Grace Is Gone" which runs for 2 minutes 20 seconds. - "Flakes" which runs for 1 minute 13 seconds. - "I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With" which runs for 2 minutes 22 seconds.
Packaging
This DVD is packaged in an amaray keep case with a cardboard slip-case.
Overall
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