Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Delirium Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 1, 2023

Madness is the subject of 1972’s “Delirium,” and messiness is the style employed by writer/director Renato Polselli. Giallo doesn’t typically welcome hospital corners when it comes to storytelling, but even with lowered expectations, Polselli remains all over the place with this tale of a serial killer on the move, combating insanity while playing dual roles in the investigation to find him. It’s a neat premise, but dramatic clarity isn’t readily available in the picture, with the helmer playing with dreamscapes and emotional breakdowns, going more for style and hysteria than the lure of a strange whodunit. “Delirium” isn’t without some pleasures, but it doesn’t fully live up to its early promise, getting lost in unreality to a point where Polselli can’t find a way out of the tale.

A serial killer is targeting women around town, and the police can’t get any traction with clues, working to discover some type of motive. Dr. Herbert (Mickey Hargitay) offers his assistance to the cops, with the criminal psychologist capable of understanding the murderer’s moves, predicting locations where the madman will strike next. Dr. Herbert has the knowledge because he’s the killer, powerless to control his madness due to impotency, targeting females to satisfy his screaming mind. Supporting his actions is Marzia (Rita Calderon), Herbert’s wife and a woman with her own mental health issues, determined to keep her spouse around, encouraging him to follow his twisted fantasies. While Herbert comes close to being discovered, a distraction arrives in Lacey (Tano Cimarosa), a parking valet pulled into the investigation, with the bumbling man trying to clear his name, only managing to make himself look more guilty in the process.

There’s an initial hit of Herbert’s violence in the opening of “Delirium.” We watch the swinging man offer a woman at a bar a ride to a dance club, presenting a kind demeanor and willingness to help. The drive doesn’t go well for the rider, who ends up being pursued by Herbert through the woods, eventually drowned in a river. Herbert is a dangerous man, and the story establishes him as someone capable of hiding his insanity, presenting a side of professionalism to some, while becoming a quaking mess around others, especially when dealing with Mariza, who’s also struggling with rationality. “Delirium” tracks this demented relationship, which has its S&M extremes, and their household assistant is also happy to watch, adding to the sleaze factor of the production, with Polselli thrilled to deliver violent sexual content throughout the movie.

“Delirium” teases interesting complexity with the introduction of Lacey, a doofus caught up in the serial killer investigation, accidentally making himself the prime suspect, much to Herbert’s confusion. There’s something in the subplot, which finds the good doctor basically in charge of capturing himself, running into complications along the way while still scratching sadomasochistic itches. It’s a compelling development for “Delirium,” but Polselli slowly backs away from the tangle of suspicion, more interested in feeling around character lunacy, with Marzia prone to lengthy dreamscape visits that expose something disturbing about the woman.

“Delirium” is presented in two versions: an Italian Cut (101:58) and an Alternate American Version (85:53), which is sourced from video. The latter presents a Vietnam War prologue, looking to explain Herbert’s destructive behavior in the film. The ending is also different.

Delirium Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. "Delirium" has some wear and tear due to age, with mild scratches and speckling detected. Detail is as good as possible with this style of cinematography, finding textures in the low-budget look of the movie, especially with skin particulars, which are plentiful during the run time. Period costuming is fibrous, from swinging styles to evening wear. Interiors retain a good look at decorative additions, including dungeon activity, with its iron offerings. Distances are reasonably dimensional, with property tours and trips into nature. Colors are compelling, retaining deep primaries on clothing and interior design choices. Greenery is distinct. Skin tones are natural, capturing tanned and dewy appearances. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is nicely resolved.

Delirium Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix is a basic understanding of dubbed performances. Intelligibility is acceptable, with some mild, age-related issues detected along the way. Scoring supports with decent instrumentation. Sound effects are blunt but appreciable.

Delirium Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Troy Howarth and Eugenio Ercolani.

• "Fear and Delirium in Cinecitta" (31:14, HD) is an interview with actor Mickey Hargitay, originally recorded in 1992. Hargitay recalls his introduction to the Italian film industry, playing Hercules and other mythological figures, selling his muscular body and heroic screen presence. However, the actor hungered for something more, eventually receiving a chance to perform in a western, requiring him to slim down and deal more with Italian dialogue. The interviewee offers some anecdotes about the dubbing process and co-stars, also exploring the use of his own voice in pictures, paving the way for superstars such as Arnold Schwarzenegger (who played Hargitay in a television movie). Hargitay tracks some highlights from his career, and discusses his time on "Delirium," referring mostly to the Vietnam War elements of a different cut. He also offers plans for the future, developing his own material.

• "The Polselli Clan" (36:52, HD) is an interview with Vanessa Polselli, daughter of "Delirium" director Renato Polselli. Armed with photos and stories, Polselli provides an overview of her father's life and times, exploring his personality and curiosity about the human condition. A photographer, Renato was eager to guide his kids with poses, and he retained a love of nature, often favoring greenery in his pictures. The helmer's filmography is tracked, with Polselli providing some commentary about the titles and Renato's creative approach.

• "Gothic Polselli" (12:44, HD) is an interview with screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi, who discusses his personal relationship with director Renato Polselli, detailing their careers and professional experiences during a fertile time in the Italian film industry.

• "The Polselli Factor"(14:39, HD) is an appreciation piece with director Luca Rea, who walks through Renato Polselli's career, identifying his filmmaking interests and experiences.

• "The Theorem of Delirium" (14:23, SD) is a 2002 making-of, featuring interviews with director Renato Polselli and actor Mickey Hargitay. The interviewees discuss their creative interests and professionalism, also examining the making of "Delirium," highlighting themes, characterizations, and co-star Rita Calderoni.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Delirium Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Delirium" has interesting visuals at times, and Hargitay capably communicates a swarming rage to Herbert, working mostly in tight close-ups of uncontrollable behavior. Calderon does the same. The last act of the picture ruins momentum, becoming a convoluted mess of characters and motivations, turning the endeavor into a soup of hysterics that's nowhere near as enjoyable to watch as early details of crime and investigation. Polselli loses control of the film, perhaps intentionally, attempting to bring viewers into the middle of an emotional and homicidal tornado without really thinking things through. The helmer hopes to coast on chaos, but the first half of "Delirium" proves he can do just fine with small blasts of bad timing.