| Delirium (1972) |
| Delirium is an interesting example of what can happen to a movie when it is created with several marketplaces in mind. The version that made it across the ocean to the US is not just a cut down version of the original film, but a decidedly alternate cut. While I would say that the international cut is definitely my prefered version, the US version is worth a look as an interesting companion piece. The basic story remains the same though, even if the structure and effectiveness of the film varies. |
| aka Derlirio caldo |
| We meet a criminal psychologist, Dr. Lyutak (Mickey Hargitay), who we learn right off has a penchant for strangling pretty young girls. I'm still not exactly sure why, but it probably has something to do with the fact that he's iimpotent. We also learn that he learn that he has a beautiful wife (Rita Calderoni, who I believe is lovely enough to cure even the most terminal case of impotency). Since he can't make love to his wife in the traditional manner, he substitutes pain by cutting her when they feel erotic. Throw in a maid that likes to watch all this and you can see that we're not dealing with the most functional household ever commited to celluloid. |
| Regardless of the dysfunctional nature of this household, they really do care for each other. So much so that Dr. Lyutak has plans of turning himself into the police, while the Mrs. has strange psychadelic sex fantasies brimming with lesbians, sadomasochism, and plenty of supple breasts. To complicate matters further, there are other murders being commited around town that follow the same MO that can't possibly be the work of Dr. Lyutak. The prime suspect here John Lacy, a parking lot attendant who seems to always be near the murder scenes. |
| Regardless of which version you watch, that narrative becomes confusing at times. Most notably when dealing with Dr. Lyutak's neice Joaquine. Joaquine doesn't make a notable appearence until we are well over halfway through the story, but she's not ever properly introduced. She just sort of appears, and everyone acts like she's been there the entire time. Although these seem like obvious flaws, often times they work to strengthen the narravtive by making teh viewer feel like they too have less of a grip on sanity. |
| It's here where the major differences between the alternate cuts come into play. Most importantly is that the international version is in no rush to get anywhere, meandering freely between the storylines and the psychosexual fantasies. I can see that the intention of editing the US version as such was to make it a tighter and more coherent narrative. Technically, this was well done. Unfortunately, this waters down the strangths of the film. While in the US version the characters have more clearly and defined motivations, the film as a whole suffers. My favorite aspect of the international version was that you could almost feel like you were going insane along with the characters. Not everything has to make concrete sense if you're being taken on an odyssey with some truly engaging characters. The audio and visual elements of these fantasy scenes brought to life by director Renato Polselli become characters in their own right, making up for any lack of depth the other characters might have. |
| Aside from the aesthetic differences noted above, there are more concrete story elements that are changed. The most obvious being a Vietnam War backstory given to Dr. Lyutak. It doesn't really add much to the film, but is referenced a few times throughout as to avoid that tacked on wraparound feel. It doesn't really do anything to damage the film either, it just sort of exists. The ending of the two cuts is different too, not enough to change much of what happens, just enough to change how it is told. Much like most every other difference between the two, I hold that the international version plays stronger. In the end, the US cut doesn't feel incomplete while watching it, just weaker in comparison. I would compare it somewhat to the differences in Creepers and Phenomena. The changes don't sink the film, but after seeing the international cut it would be hard to go back. |
| Overall, I think Polselli brought everything together to create a strong giallo. The psychadelic feel of the fantasy scenes serve well to keep the film from feeling tired or lacking in the brutality or suspense of some of the more well known genre films. Hargitay is always a treat to see, although his accent can be a bit distracting in the US cut. His presence is always interesting though, and he does well with the role. As for Calderoni, she is truly a vision. Aside from being obviously attractive, I find her acting to be far better than most for this type of movie. |
| Anchor Bay has put togther a fine presentation for Delirium. It was a great move to put in both versions of the film. This isn't a case where one release is cut down to another. Seeing the alternate versions makes for a very interesting comparison. The print on the international cut is slightly better, mostly due to the fact that the US cut has a few scenes that were mastered from video and have Dutch subtitles. This isn't really a fault though, as the seem to have gone the extra mile to even include it here. Also included is the 14 minute interview with Polselli and Hargitay called Theorem of Delirium. The interviews are pretty good, I found them to be most interesting when discussing the alternate cuts. Hargitay takes credit for, and seems proud of, one of the sillier differences in the films. All in all I think this is a worth while release for any fans of Anchor Bay's Euro Horror releases. |
| I give this one 4 jailbait students out of 5 |
| review by Joe Canistro 03/14/2005 |
 |
| Click on the curious head to email me! |