Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan Part 10

[P_R]

Just reached the 3rd post.

Mr.Raghavendra, I think what Gopal means is the concept of 'comparative statics'. (hence he invoked that as something students of economics would know - and I plead guilty )

The idea is not to dismiss the circumstances and other considerations of the particular Sivaji's performances. But simply hold them static and analyze the performances. The thrust here is to highlight how (in Gopal's opinion, which we shall wait to read and be convinced or nonplussed about) Sivaji exuded various styles of acting. And for this, the other circumstances are being kept in the backburner for the purpose of this series. That is all.

I feel your anxiety may be misplaced.

Much as you acknowledge the importance of the extraneous circumstances surrounding the film, you will not say they are 'essential' to appreciate a film - right? Sometimes I chance upon a scene in a movie when swapping channels on tv - I don't know the movie but I am able to appreciate the performance. I would not deny I'd be able to appreciate better if I knew more. No questions. But it is not as if it is necessary to appreciate anything at all.

That, if I am not wrong, that is what Gopal is saying. Taking say 'a scene performance' in some foreign film and comparing to a 'Sivaji performs' - necessitates us to shear off the contexts to be able to make a comparison. This is not to say the contexts are unimportant. Not at all.