Delirious 2007

Drama

Comedy

Box Office

$660K

Runtime

107 min

Language

English

Directed by

Tom DiCillo

Made by

Peace Arch Releasing

Test your knowledge of Delirious with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Delirious (2007). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

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.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Delirious (2007) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Toby Grace Wanders NYC

The film opens with Toby Grace, a homeless young man, meandering through the streets of New York City. He is desperately seeking change and trying to find a profitable way to survive in the bustling city.

New York City

Toby Meets Les Galantine

While wandering, Toby accidentally bumps into Les Galantine, an aspiring celebrity photographer, who is waiting for a recording star. This chance encounter sparks a connection that will change Toby's life.

Outside a building in NYC

Les Offers Toby Shelter

After their meeting, Toby follows Les to his apartment and asks for a place to sleep. Les agrees, impressed by Toby's honesty and eager to have someone help him around the house.

Les's apartment

Toby Proves Himself Useful

Toby begins to assist Les by fixing items like a stationary bike and the radiator in his apartment. This practical help establishes Toby's value and strengthens their budding relationship.

Les's apartment

First Night at the Club

Les takes Toby to a club to capture photos of K'Harma Leeds, a rising star. Upon seeing K'Harma perform, Toby is instantly smitten, feeling a spark of hope in the glamorous world surrounding him.

Club

Exclusive Photo Opportunity

Les learns about a high-profile actor, Chuck Sirloin, undergoing surgery, and seizes the chance to take exclusive photos for a local tabloid magazine. This event heightens Les's profile and potential in the photography business.

Hospital

STD Daytime Drama Benefit

At a lavish benefit event, casting director Dana is drawn to Toby’s genuine nature. Impressed by his purity, she vows to help boost his career, revealing the influence she holds in the industry.

Benefit event

K'Harma and Toby Bond

Toby ends up spending the night at K'Harma’s party, establishing a connection based on their shared feelings of loneliness. This conversation creates a bond that highlights Toby's stability compared to K'Harma's chaotic lifestyle.

K'Harma's party

The Elvis Costello Party

K'Harma invites Toby and Les to a party with Elvis Costello. However, when Les starts taking photos at the event, K'Harma becomes upset and security promptly ejects them, stressing the tension between creativity and privacy.

Celebrity party

Toby's New Living Situation

After Les sells the controversial photos of K'Harma, Toby moves in with Dana, who is keen to capitalize on his newfound fame. She casts him in a reality show portraying a homeless man's life, offering him a path to influence.

Dana's residence

Toby's Rise to Fame

Toby quickly gains popularity through the reality show, experiencing fame for the first time in his life. His rise captivates the public, contrasting sharply with his previous struggles on the streets.

Les's Feelings of Betrayal

As Toby’s fame grows, Les feels increasingly betrayed, believing he has been instrumental in Toby's success without receiving recognition. This jealousy motivates him to plot revenge against Toby.

Characters

Explore all characters from Delirious (2007). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Toby Grace

Toby is a naïve yet resourceful young man who finds himself drifting through the streets of New York City. His honesty and genuine nature attract those around him, leading to unexpected opportunities. Throughout the film, he represents the innocence and vulnerability of individuals striving for a better life.

🧑‍🎤 Aspiration 👨‍❤️‍👨 Loyalty

Les Galantine

Les is an ambitious and somewhat unscrupulous photographer who initially takes Toby under his wing. His desire for fame and recognition drives him to exploit opportunities, showcasing his complex personality. Les's jealousy and sense of betrayal emerge as Toby gains fame, reflecting the darker side of ambition.

📸 Ambition 😒 Jealousy

K'Harma Leeds

K'Harma is a young and aspiring singer whose struggle with her own fame highlights her search for stability and genuine connections. Her relationship with Toby reveals a longing for authenticity in a world filled with superficiality. She embodies the struggle for emotional grounding amid the chaos of celebrity life.

🎤 Music ❤️ Connection

Dana

Dana is an influential casting director captivated by Toby's purity and potential. Her interest in elevating his career reflects her desire to nurture talent, but also raises questions about the motives behind her actions. She represents the complex relationships between power and care in the entertainment industry.

🎬 Opportunity 🌟 Influence

Setting

Learn where and when Delirious (2007) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film's events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the modern dynamics of fame, celebrity culture, and the challenges of living on the margins. It showcases the fast-paced lifestyle of New York City and the complex interactions between its inhabitants.

Location

New York City

New York City is a vibrant metropolitan area known for its iconic skyline, diverse culture, and rich arts scene. It serves as a backdrop for countless stories of ambition, fame, and the struggles of everyday life. In 'Delirious,' the city is depicted as a place where dreams can be pursued, yet also highlights the stark realities faced by those without a home.

🏙️ Urban 📸 Photography

Themes

Discover the main themes in Delirious (2007). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🌟

Fame

Fame is a central theme in 'Delirious', as characters navigate the allure and pitfalls of celebrity culture. Toby's unexpected rise to notoriety illustrates how quickly one's life can change in the pursuit of attention. The film critiques the superficiality of fame and the impact it has on personal relationships.

🏚️

Homelessness

The theme of homelessness is poignantly explored through Toby's journey as a young man living on the streets. His encounters with aspiring celebrities highlight the contrast between his struggles and their glamorous lives. The film sheds light on the often-overlooked plight of the homeless in urban settings.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.