The Mime's Big Day

Attention Plzzz (2015)
Starring: Swetha, Ashul, Maheswar, and Roshan
Director: Arunachalam

Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

A street-performer mime gives up in the face of competition but ends up changing the life of a homeless drug addict.

Reportedly inspired by the films of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, I think "Attention Plzzz" is far cuter than anything on the very impressive resumes of either of those two gentleman. Another very strong element of this modern silent movie is that doesn't try to replicate the style of films made a century or more ago, nor is it just a film without sound, but the use of mimes gives a perfect in-story explanation for why not a single word is spoken.

I liked everything about this film--the actors all perform well, the pacing is spot-on, and the mime duels are very funny--and I probably would have given it Eight Stars if not for a couple flaws.

First, I think this film could have benefitted from being a little more focused. It almost feel like two films combined into one, with the first one being our Hero squaring off against a competing mime, and the second one where he distracts a homeless drug addict from shooting up. If the competition with the other mime had not been included in the film, I don't think it would have been missed, and we would have gotten to the really excellent part of the film sooner. All we needed in the initial part is the disinterested/confused onlookers to establish the mime's state of mind.
 

Second, a decision was made to include sound effects in the film's best moments, and I think it was a bad decision. They feel entirely out of place and they take away more from the action and mood of the scenes than they add. 

I could also criticize the film for not using enough medium two-shots during the mime's interactions with the homeless woman, but given that it claims to be inspired by old-time silent greats, I don't know that would be a fair criticism.

But why don't you take a few minutes and give your attention to "Attention Plzzz"? I promise it will brighten your day! (And if I steer you wrong, be sure to tell me off in the Comments section.)