A creator's dilemma

Hi,

A friend of mine - maker of movies of the classical type (the likes of Fellini and Kurasawa and a lover of Dosteovesky's works) - met me recently. I know him personally and also know the hardships he underwent to earn a decent living.

It had been quite some time since I met him (close to 2 years). When I met him I was glad to see his thoughtful face gleaming with the customary smile. He told me that he is doing a movie now, packaged neatly for the current film goers. It would mean that he had to dilute his stand from a maker of movies of a different genre. What he told me made immense sense. All his previous works had relevant messages for today's society, but were packaged in a manner that most film-goers would find it difficult to consume.

He told me that as much thought lies in making things consummable, as in coming up with things - be it a movie, a speech or even food. I could not agree with him more.

My friend went ahead and quoted Van Gogh:

"Since two weeks ago, I don't do anything but painting, from early in the morning until the night; if I keep up to this working rhythm it will cost me the health, unless I sell some of my works."

Van Gogh had to sell his paintings for a living. But he could sell only one of his paintings. The sole buyer was none but his own brother. His talent did not have an audience. My friend said that a creator thinks ahead of his time and it is not the society's problem. The onus is on the creator to make his thoughts consummable. It is this endeavor my friend has started. But, it would be tough for him to retain his self in addressing to the masses.

I wish him the very best in his journey.

Thanks

Vijay