Tony

"Senseless violence is a prerogative of youth, which has much energy but little talent for the constructive." - Anthony Burgess

Burgess' quote seems fittingly applied by filmmaker Hugo Diego Garcia in his film "Tony," which follows a young Spaniard immigrant who joins a gang of thuggish racially persecuted immigrants in 1980's France.

There are times where the narrative of this period gangster film meanders, yet the acting, specifically Hugo Diego Garcia, who also plays the lead character Tony, makes up for any story flaws. Garcia's understated performance lingers, seeping through your veins like a slow intravenous drip. Through the smallest, most subtle reactions, Garcia plays a likable, empathetic rogue, delivering a complex character, struggling with layers of internal conflict, whose emotional frailty manifests in a paralytic moral split.

As a director, Hugo Diego Garcia has a visually arresting sensibility. Stylistically, "Tony" reminded me of Scorsese's "Mean Streets" and Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange." Garcia's directorial debut is far from perfect, but there is no doubt that he delivers a vivid, indelible, emotive performance.

This beautifully made film encapsulates a time and place brilliantly while poignantly capturing themes which currently resonate. It's hard to believe this is the debut film for lead actor / director Hugo Diego Garcia. With beauty, action, excellent performances by Garcia and a killer ensemble cast, and a throbbing score by MALO, we feel as if we're in the hands of a veteran here. Watch this film and remember it. Hugo Diego Garcia will be a household name.

Felt like oldschool Scorsese style - as visually interesting as it is story-wise. I loved the combination of European and American cinematic energies and structure - it made for a more beautiful version of a film that still had a plot that kept you wanting to know what would happen next. Loved it!

I got to see the short film Tony and was taken by this heart wrecking and beautiful drama.I was very impressed by Hugo Diego Garcia's craft as a director as well as an actor. He portrays a deeply complex and layered character with a rare and subtle authenticity, leading an impeccable ensemble cast of misfits. He mastered the tone of his story, giving it an incredibly original 80s style. I should also mention the perfect score which elevates this violent but brilliant piece of filmmaking.

Came across this short and felt compelled to write about it, as I was very impressed with the authenticity and the performances of the cast. Considering the specifics of the period and style, this short succeeded where a lot of bigger production have failed. Incredible! A heart breaking story of violence being perpetuated. Hugo Diego Garcia is one to watch! Not only as a very talented performer but also as a filmmaker, being the writer/director of this painfully personal story. Can't wait to see more of him.