Mad Mimes
Mad Mimes

Movie spotlight

Mad Mimes

2012
Movie
30 min
Russian

An anthropological study of a cargo cult in a fictitious self-marginalized commune, which existed next to the Moscow Ring Road - a highway that marks the boundaries of the Russian capital - and survived mainly on roadside trash. Although the road provided for their basic needs, the existence of the commune was extremely precarious and highly dependent on the roadway's fluctuations. This dependency led them to develop a cargo cult of the road.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users70%
Director: Tetsuya ChibaGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

In a quiet, ordinary town, a group of eccentric mimes inexplicably begins to take over public spaces, performing bizarre and thought-provoking routines. Their silent actions disrupt the mundane lives of the residents, forcing them to confront their own unspoken frustrations and desires. As the mime troupe's influence grows, the townspeople find themselves drawn into a surreal conflict between silence and expression.

Critical Reception

Mad Mimes received a mixed reception from critics, with many praising its unique premise and visual style, but some found its pacing and narrative coherence lacking. Audiences were divided, with some appreciating its artistic ambition and others finding it too abstract or confusing.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive visual storytelling and unconventional approach.

  • Criticized for a meandering plot and occasional lack of clarity in its themes.

  • The performances, particularly from the mime troupe, were noted for their dedication.

Google audience: Viewers often enjoyed the film's originality and the unusual performances, finding it a thought-provoking experience. However, some found the story difficult to follow and felt it was too artsy without a clear message.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Independent Film at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The lead mime performers underwent several months of intensive physical training and silent improvisation workshops to prepare for their roles.

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Dimitri_Venkov

Dimitri_Venkov

Dimitri Venkov in conversation with Alexandra MacGilp for Cannibal Manifest exhibition catalogue AM: What inspired The Mad Mimes and how did it develop while you were making it? ​ DV: One of the lasting impressions of my format...