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Year: 2007
Runtime: 107 min
Language: English
Director: Tom DiCillo
A charismatic celebrity photographer's quest for the perfect shot leads him to an unlikely assistant in Toby, a charming homeless youth who becomes enamored with the glamour of New York City. As their friendship blossoms, Toby must navigate his own aspirations as an actor and the allure of fame, all while grappling with loyalty and betrayal in this heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Delirious yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
The film opens with a homeless young man, Toby Grace, navigating the streets of New York City as he searches for spare change and a means to survive. One fateful day, he inadvertently crosses paths with aspiring photographer, Les Galantine, who is loitering outside a building waiting for the famous singer K’Harma Leeds (portrayed by Alison Lohman) to exit. Intrigued by Toby’s honesty and resourcefulness, Les takes him in for the night, welcoming his help in managing household tasks around the apartment such as fixing the stationary bike and attending to a malfunctioning radiator.
As the story unfolds, Les introduces Toby to the vibrant nightlife where he becomes infatuated with K’Harma, the rising star on the music scene. Les capitalizes on his relationship with Toby to gain access to notable events, including a memorable incident where he snaps controversial photos of Chuck Sirloin, a flashy actor (played by Jack Gwaltney) undergoing a private surgery. These photos quickly attract the attention of a local tabloid and highlight Les’s potential as a photographer.
During an STD Daytime Drama Benefit, Toby catches the eye of casting director Dana (Gina Gershon), who is drawn to his naivety and sincerity. As she decides to mentor him, Toby’s life begins to change dramatically. His newfound connection with K’Harma deepens when a chance encounter leads to a heart-to-heart conversation, revealing a sense of stability that contrasts with her chaotic lifestyle. K’Harma invites Toby to a party featuring Elvis Costello, but when Les takes photos at the event, he unwittingly incites K’Harma’s wrath, resulting in their expulsion from the party.
With Toby’s growing fame after appearing in a reality show that showcases his life as a homeless individual, the dynamics between him and Les shift. Feeling betrayed by Toby’s rapid rise to stardom and sensing insufficient gratitude for his earlier support, Les begins to devise a plan for revenge. This emerging rivalry marks a turning point in their relationship, showcasing the complexities of loyalty and ambition in the cutthroat world of fame and photography. The film intricately weaves a narrative filled with unexpected twists, emotional connections, and the harsh realities of navigating the fine line between friendship and exploitation in pursuit of success.
Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30
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