Posted: 03/08/2010

TONY

by Sanela Djokovic

A glimpse into the life of isolated and socially-challenged Londoner “Tony” introduces us to serial killer Tony Benson and his psychopathic tendencies. Tony, who lives a friendless, jobless life with few interested (except for action films and the occasional murder) is quite a character, but “Tony” effectively paints the image of a troubled, uncanny but very real man, instead of the image of a extraordinary, masterful, unbelievable villain. The simplicity makes for moments of discomfort and sheer fear, an actually disturbing, and yes, even scary film.

Tony (Peter Ferdinando) lives in a meager flat in London and off of government money, with very little to eat, carrying a very malnourished frame and pale face. But, little can explain his Hitleresque moustache and haircut, except maybe the fact that besides watching violent action films, roaming the streets of London, creating awkward moments with strangers… and prostitutes, his only other hobby is murdering people. The thing is he doesn’t set out to kill. In fact, he often times he meets his victims in attempts to be friendly. He kills under the pressures and strains that human interactions place onto him, the same kind that have clearly shoved this man into seclusion. In the words of Ferdinando: “He’s stuck in a time warp and never developed as a man; just pushed into a corner and has become this creature of habit.”

One of the most fear-invoking elements of “Tony” comes from the characterization of Tony as both strange and unassuming. Often times we feel sympathy for him, because he is always trying to be nice, for lack of a better word. Peter Ferdinando (who lost 35 pounds for the role and even moved into the character’s apartment while shooting) gives a performance that is subtle, complex, chilling, and at times on the verge of appalling. To present a psychopathic murderer as something more than a character, with no biographical background, and make the viewer feel empathy for and fear of the man makes Ferdinando the nucleus of the film.

And, for those who look for gore in a horror film will get a sufficient dose—enough to turn most heads away. Written and directed by first time feature film director Gerard Johnson, “Tony” provides grim settings, atrocious circumstances and a transformative portrayal of an indelible creature—a small gem for horror fans, and probably even for those who don’t usually like the genre.
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Sanela Djokovic is a writer living in the Bronx

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