Year: 2007
Runtime: 107 min
Language: English
Director: Tom DiCillo
A renowned photographer searching for his next iconic image takes on Toby, a spirited young man living on the streets of New York City, as an assistant. Toby is captivated by the excitement and glamour of the photography world, and a unique friendship develops between the two. As Toby pursues his own acting ambitions and experiences the temptations of fame, he must confront difficult choices about loyalty and the true meaning of success in this story of friendship and personal growth.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Delirious (2007), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
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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