SAR_sarsential™_toolbox_x
Above: SAR¹ 30KMS BLMT² midpoint [ x ] training. Sarsential x: the Kambei-Point of View [ midpoint in the narrative; redirecting negativism towards reasonability and decisiveness, from an empathic POV ].
"The waterwheel makes its regular noise throughout the scene, emphasising the pauses." -- Akira Kurosawa in 'Seven Samurai' shooting script.
Midpoint: the Samurai squad-leader Kambei-character -- performed by actor Takashi Shimura in 'Seven Samurai' (1954) -- moment. The moment where the character shuts-down negativety ("I know how you feel, but you have to. We can't defend these outlying farms."), previsualize's victory (battleplan) and starts building it! Eye's off the self now, eye's on the team-effort!
In the midpoint scene in the film, the Samurai-squad-members share their strategy for dealing with the bandits and protect the village and the inhabitants. The villagers respond reluctant, negative, scared, hysteric. It seems negativism is hysteria in the making! At midpoint x, it is removed and replaced by a positive attitude, radiating decisiveness.
From the original shooting-script, page 137:
Close-up of GISAKU in the wind mill with a women behind him looking worried. They both look towards something off-screen. The woman puts a hand on the old man's shoulder with a cry of distress.
Medium close-up of MOSUKE with GOROBEI just in shot beside him.
He looks at GOROBEI fearfully. Other farmers are gathered behind him, open-mouthed with amazement.
MOSUKE: You mean I have to leave my place?
(Close-up of GISAKU, with his son and his son's wife, just behind him, frowning worriedly. The son stands up but his wife pulls him down, looking away nervously.
Medium shot of GISAKU sitting in the middle of the room with KAMBEI , his son and his wife behind him and GOROBEI and MANZO beside him. KAMBEI is holding a small child in his arms. Tilt up with him as he stands up, still holding the child. He paces backwards and forewords in the foreground, back to camera. The waterwheel makes its regular noise throughout the scene, emphasising the pauses.)
KAMBEI: I know how you feel, but you have to. We can't defend these outlying farms.
(KAMBEI continues to pace about. Suddenly the wife bursts into tears.)
From: Seven Samurai and Other Screenplays by Akira Kurosawa, collection first published in 1992 by Faber and Faber Limited, London.
More on "x": http://bartvanbroekhoven.com/en-US/running/123-sar-epilogue
More on Akira Kurosawa: http://bartvanbroekhoven.com/en-US/running/97-sar-7-along-the-way
¹ Strategic Alert Running
² Best Level Mixed Terrain
