Multi-Facial

I have been spouting facts about Vin Diesel for months now, telling all of my friends to see this and that movie with Vin Diesel in it. I am eagerly awaiting Knockaround Guys, and even more eagerly awaiting Doormen. Now that I have seen Multi-Facial, I have an incredible sense of respect for Diesel's creativity as well as his acting ability.

Multi-Facial's portrayal of grinding it out as an actor hits home to me, as it does for most people. The main character, Mike, refuses to give up his ideals and dreams of being big like DeNiro in order to "make a living." I love that. Anyone who can see a goal and shoot for it, even when they are set back day in and day out, is someone who has my full respect. Finding in the end, that rather than slipping into a mold, he will be better as a "not too light, not too dark" actor makes Mike's character even more believable. I admire characters that break out of restraints and make their own rules. By the way, Diesel's monologue about the fictional father was so incredible, I thought Diesel himself was talking to me. I could have been anywhere in the world listening to him in person. That monologue jumped off the screen and into real life. If this is what Diesel does for his first attempt at directing a film, I can not wait to see what comes next. Talk about coming out with a bang!

It's always interesting to see glimpses of stars before they were household names. Playing the role of casting director, I try to spot something that might indicate their massive potential, or alternatively, that they've grown a lot in their ability since then. In the case of Multifacial, Vin Diesel's self-penned and semi-autobiographical short, it is clear that this actor is going places.

There is something undeniably compelling about him. I first noticed him in the supporting role in Boiler Room, primarily for his voice. There's that deep gravelly tone that demands your attention. Couple that with his powerful physicality and you can see that this guy just needs the right role to exploit his talents. And where the Lundgrens and Rocks of Hollywood offer similar packages, Diesel brings an unquestionable intellect and vulnerability to the screen to set himself apart. Multifacial teaches 3 things:

One - a simply shot film (ie: cheap) can still make an impact, providing the story is engaging. Two - if the storyline feels "doccie", economical and imperfect shots actually help give cred to the film. Three - If an unknown actor is talented, even a tiny low budget short can garner the attention of the biggest player in Hollywood.

Evidently that's what Spielberg thought, as he contacted Diesel on the strength of this - check it out for a good chuckle, a glimpse of Diesel's comedic ability, and the star's take on the experience, looking back on it now.

I was very grateful to have had the opportunity to see this short and view the director's comments. I connected with the character and his search for his identity in so many ways. I am multi-cultural by birth; I understand getting lost in the wake of many different cultures and the behavior, expectations, and biases. His exploration of being multi-cultural strikes a chord in all people of multi-cultural lineage. It was a small, revealing, poignant view into Vin Diesel, the person, and he was brave to show it. Multi-Facial, multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, any way you put it, the inner turmoil of identity is hard to escape. I connected... and I am grateful that I am not alone.

I love this film. This guy Vin Diesel is gonna blow up! I cant believe he plays all these characters so well. No Wonder Spielberg wrote him in his film Saving Private Ryan. This is a must see film.

I've watched Multifacial many times, and I am always pleased to still find acting moments that interest or amuse me in the film. Vin Diesel's physicality is arresting, pleasing and fluid. His voice is a marvelous instrument that covers a broad vocal range, while the deeper notes can hypnotize any unwary female.

I've seen him in other films and continue to look for those moments that capture my attention and rivet me to the screen whenever he appears.

Right now Mr. Diesel invests his energy in the world of Action Heros that he admired so much in his childhood. I am hoping he will soon outgrow the genre and return to more serious acting and to the portrayals of complicated characters like Mike in Multifacial, that I feel sure he can accomplish.