Something I haven't seen noted in the boards here is Tsubaki's constant habit of rubbing and/or scratching his chest, his stomach, his beard, his head. The hands are always busy. I guess it must be a character trait added by Mifune (or Kurosawa), and it does add to the deceptive humor of the character. Anybody else wonder what's going on with Tsubaki and his hands?
If I had choice of weapons with you, sir, I'd choose grammar.
It's great, makes the character feel so authentic.
shareAlso, keep in mind that in a lot of scenes he was thinking of their next move (scratching his beard, head), or was just waking up from his frequent naps, stretching, scratching, etc.
shareI think Mifune does this a lot, or at least on one other movie, maybe Yojimbo or 7 Samurai? I know I've seen him do it before but it really stood out in Sanjuro. What a great performance.
shareFor Yojimbo, Kurosawa instructed him to act like a rough dog, which explains his shoulders twitching. That's probably the reasoning behind the scratches too - to get rid of his "fleas".
shareIt is a funny observation but an accurate one as well.
The guy's hand never stayed still and it is just highly entertaining to watch Mifune.
Take away the plot, the other characters and the action, I think the film would still be very watchable just by having Mifune in it.
Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down and a Wagging Finger of Shame
Wonderful observation!
Watching the movie i feel great joy in the thorough attitude of sanjuro. The first scene for example. he enters the room and every fiber of me screams for him to say something but he doesnt.. scratches his back and even yawns. Maybe the hand movement are a subtle way to induce this kind of tension to the audience - just so Sanjuro can break it. He is always in a pressed situation.. the moment he isnt vigilant the other samurais are running off doing something stupid.
Maybe its not for the audience but to give the other samurai the certainty that he is "doing something" ... namely thinking. Without it they might run off earlier..
I think its both and just a learned gesture. Thanks for that observation - Its a fantastic detail from all perspectives i havent thought about before!