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.

This is what short, independent films should be like. This is the first movie for Vin Diesel, and it allows for tremendous insight in to the man himself. Vin, who's real name is Michael Vincent, wrote, produced, and directed this movie. It appears to be not only a slice of his life, but short biography. The title, "MULTI-FACIAL" is a play on the term "Multi-Racial." As, Vin Diesel explains in the movie, he is half white, and half black. And, despite his awesome acting talent and dedication to his craft, his racial mix stands in his way of getting work as an actor. The film follows Vin from one audition to another, where he nails each part, but is then turned down either because he is "too white" or ironically "too black." The message of the movie is summed up at the end in the movie's final line, as Vin sits in a cafe drinking coffee by himself, he listens in to the people sitting behind him. The girl orders coffee, but requests that it is served, "not too light, not too dark."The movie is about 20 minutes long, the perfect length for an independent short. It is very well shot on 16mm film. The musical score for the film is music recorded and performed by Vin Diesel himself. Yet, further credit to this great talent. During one audition, Vin performs an original rap and it is really clever and well done. The film is simplistic, but extremely moving, and has a clear, concise story line and a powerful message. The strongest point of the movie is the brilliant, convincing acting job by all the people involved. Vin comes off as totally original and totally natural. Hollywood is lucky to have him and it is absolutely no wonder that Stephen Spielberg chose to contact him and offer him a part in Saving Private Ryan after he saw MULTI-FACIAL at the Caan's Film Festival. I wish I could make an independent movie this good myself!I was already a Vin Diesel fan when I saw this movie. I own the DVD that this movie is on. Its a compilation DVD, with other short movies on it. BY FAR, MULTI-FACIAL is the best movie in the compilation. The other movies are almost totally unwatchable. And this serves as further credit to Vin's movie. The other movies are complete dribble, and those are the kinds of movies that RUIN film festivals. But MULTI-FACIAL is the kind of movie that saves film festivals. This is the movie that everyone is looking for when they pay those outrageous prices to attend various film festivals. They are all looking for that little gem of a movie, and MULTI-FACIAL is it.This is definitely worth seeing, even if you have to buy the DVD with the rest of the crappy movies. Check it out, you will enjoy it.

The blood running through my veins is that of thirteen seperate heritages from thirteen seperate countries, and you can imagine how happy I am that this movie was made. Vin Diesel enthralled me with his amazing acting skills, I am fascinated by this astounding piece of work. As a constant victim of racial prejudice, this hit home. Really hard. And THANK YOU VIN!!! for making it.

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!