Top 100 Most Anticipated Films of 2010: Mark Ruffalo’s Sympathy for Delicious

#83. Sympathy for Delicious

Director: Mark Ruffalo
Writer(s): Christopher Thornton
Producers: Scott Prisand, Andrea Sperling, Matt Weaver, Ruffalo and Thornton
Distributor: Rights Available.

The Gist: Written by Chris Thornton, this sees “Delicious” Dean O’Dwyer, a paralyzed DJ struggling to survive in his wheelchair on the streets of L.A. He turns to faith-healing and mysteriously acquires the ability to cure the sick — although not himself. Ruffalo plays a Jesuit priest who tries to help him come to terms with the limits of his gift, and Bloom a rock singer in a band that exploits the suddenly famous healer...(more)

Cast: Orlando Bloom, Juliette Lewis, Laura Linney, Ruffalo and ‘Delicious’ Dean O’Dwyer played by Thornton.

Why is it on the list?: Ruffalo’s film school consists of working under Michael Mann, Spike Jonze, Martin Scorsese, David Fincher and Ang Lee, so when a passion project between him and good friend Thornton finally comes to fruition, one has to wonder whether the prior work can help mold the actor as a helmer. The project certainly doesn’t feel cookie-cutter, so could this be a feel good film in spandex, metalhead clothing? 

Release Date/Status?: Opening at Sundance, this will find a highest bidder and receive a release sometime this year.