If you ever wanted to see a film about a character with intense personal flaws that shows real character progression, this would be the film to see. Sympathy for Delicious follows former DJ Delicious, newly parapalegic, as he struggles with his newfound gift of hands-on healing and overpowering desire for fame and fortune. The two lead roles, carried out by long-time actor Mark Ruffalo and his real-life friend and long-time parapalegic Christopher Thornton, carry the film and make it the interesting character piece that this film becomes, leaving the minor roles (played by such people as John Carroll Lynch, Laura Linney, Juliette Lewis,and Orlando Bloom) to be nothing more than background pieces. As Ruffalo explains, 'this is not a religious movie, it just has religion in it.' It broaches the topic of rock star morals, stepping over people to get to the top, and finding oneself amidst turmoil - all riding cliches and stereotypes about as far as a viewer is willing to accept. Falling close to being classified as magical realism, Sympathy for Delicious tries so hard to be a meaningful, somewhat satirical, commentary, and even after a surprising 90 drafts of the script, it's still missing the true sincerity, originality, and just plain believability that would make it a great film. The cinematography was fair to poor at times, but in my mind was indicative of what I truly felt was the first witness I've seen of the true independent mind of Sundance. I respect this film, and I certainly respect the filmmakers for making this happen after a solid ten years of persistent work, but when assessing this film for it's straight cinematic value, it missed the mark. Cool people, good story, okay film.
In attendance: Director/actor Mark Ruffalo, cinematographer Chris Norr, editor Pete Beaudreau, writer/actor Christopher Thornton, and second unit director Felisha Grice
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1/27/2010
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