The first trailer for Mark Ruffalo’s directorial debut Sympathy for Delicious has been released. The film tells the story of a paralyzed DJ (played by the film’s scribe, Christopher Thornton) who somehow acquires the ability to heal, though is unable to make himself walk. Judging from the trailer, Ruffalo definitely shows some promise as a director. Factor in the top-notch cast, and I’m very interested in seeing how this film plays out. The flick premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January where it took home the Special Jury Prize.

Hit the jump to watch the trailer. Sympathy for Delicious stars Mark Ruffalo, Christopher Thornton, Orlando Bloom, Juliette Lewis, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich and John Carroll Lynch.

Here’s the trailer (via Fandango):

Here’s the official synopsis:

Recently paralyzed DJ “Delicious” Dean battles the mean streets of Los Angeles, struggling to survive in his wheelchair. Yearning to walk again, and fighting to spark the ashes that were once his career, Dean turns to the dubious world of faith healing and gets much more than he bargained for. Lured by easy money and the heat of fame, Dean sells out to an unstable rock band, stomping the dreams of so many who see him as their only hope. World-famous DJ “Delicious” must now tackle his own worst demon-himself-if he is ever to conquer his “handicap” and find true healing.

Written by and starring Christopher Thornton in a gripping performance as the fiercely determined deejay, Sympathy for Delicious is a wildly original story. Mark Ruffalo makes an auspicious directorial debut with a gritty, yet fervent, take on the search for meaning amidst tragedy and the redemptive power that is compassion.

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