Review by JD Piche, SAG-AFTRA, Filmmaker, Producer, Writer: Follow on IG @Misadventur3r
The 4 minute calling card, “Never Mime” was Joe Griffenberg’s first time directing this millennium, after over 30 years, he got back on the horse again, and made this sweet silent film homage to the slapstick greats.
While shot clearly modern day, with modern cars, untied New Balances on his feet, our Mime’s attempting to get the attention of a woman enraptured in a copy of Women’s World. Could be budget, could be a choice, but it’s a great play on the original tropes that were hewn on the boards of Vaudeville revues.
While the sound effects may seem ‘a bit much’ it was this style of Live Foley that made Silent Films draw crowds.
Chaplin’s funny walk may put kiesters in seats, but a well-placed slide whistle will get them rolling.
A simple 3 person scene, the Uninterested Woman, played by Stephanie Montoya, a Clown played by Herman Tafoya, and our Mime, Kirby Soderberg, (also a producer of the short).
Good shot compositions, match the classical style of silent shorts, A Wide, a Medium, A Close-up, What more do you need?!
Music by Ron Sirrine really circles the wagons and makes the short shine, some bright calliope music.
A fun little film. 9/10
