What is Rashomon Effect ?

Greetings, 

               As we all know, this is the era of OTT platforms. In ancient times, there were play performances, then radio, followed by cinema. Now, we are living in the era of OTT. We have become habituated to watching movies and web series on the smaller screens of mobile devices. Literature is closely connected with such movies and series because many movies today are adaptations of plays or long novels. This has paved the way for the necessity of Film Studies in literature. Currently, we are studying various film theories and techniques used by directors to engage the audience more actively. Filmmakers introduce many new ways to engage the audience.

There are many techniques introduced by filmmakers, and one of the most popular is the frame narrative, which we are studying in the classroom. This technique involves a story within a story. I am particularly fascinated by a technique known as the 'Rashomon Effect.'

    

Rashomon Effect

In simple terms, the Rashomon Effect is a storytelling method where multiple witnesses describe the same event from their own perspectives, resulting in different versions of the story. Directors use this technique in films to show various viewpoints of the same event. This approach makes a movie more intriguing, ambiguous, and complex. A common example of this effect is whether a written number is seen as six or nine. Both perspectives are correct depending on the viewpoint.

The term "Rashomon" originates from the Japanese movie of the same name, "Rashomon," which was released in 1950 and directed by Akira Kurosawa. This movie explores the theme of crime. To understand this effect clearly, one should know about the plot of the movie.

The movie opens with three men, a monk, a woodcutter, and a common man discussing a crime witnessed by the woodcutter in the  mountains. The woodcutter found the body of a Samurai deep in the mountains. A bandit was charged with killing the Samurai and assaulting the Samurai’s wife. During the trial, the woodcutter, the priest, the Samurai’s wife, the bandit, and even the ghost of the Samurai gave their testimonies. However, each person told a different and conflicting story. The film ends without clearly revealing what really happened.

Significance of the Rashomon Effect 

Rashomon has become more than just a movie. It has influenced how people think about truth and memory. The term "Rashomon Effect" is often used in legal settings when witnesses give conflicting accounts. Kurosawa, who made Rashomon, became a major figure in cinema because of this film and his later works. His films were not just entertaining, they also had deep artistic ideas and careful design.

Rashomon aimed to revive the magic of silent films, with its impressive cinematography and editing. One standout scene features a moving camera tracking a woodcutter in the forest before he discovers evidence of a crime. Kurosawa's meticulous design and moral perspective as an artist make him a remarkable filmmaker. After WWII, he sought to offer hope through his films, portraying a struggle with human nature’s darker aspects. The film presents conflicting accounts of a crime, questioning truth and trust. Despite the darkness, Kurosawa ends with a simple, hopeful note, making Rashomon a classic with its innovative narrative and style.  (Kurosawa and Bettman)

Here is the complete movie if you'd like to watch it,

Thank you.

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References 

DeGuzman, Kyle. “What is The Rashomon Effect in Film? Definition & Examples Explained.” StudioBinder, 11 September 2022, https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-the-rashomon-effect-definition/. Accessed 27 July 2024.

Kurosawa, Akira, and Gil Bettman. “What is the Rashomon Effect? – Definition and Examples.” Indie Film Hustle, https://indiefilmhustle.com/rashomon-effect/. Accessed 27 July 2024.