RASHOMON AND THE “RASHOMON EFFECT”

“Rashomon” is a significant film because it revolutionized the way stories could be told on screen, breaking from the traditional linear narrative structure. Directed by Akira Kurosawa and released in 1950, the film tells the story of a rape and murder from the perspectives of four different characters, each with their own version of events. This technique of presenting multiple perspectives of the same story became known as the “Rashomon effect” or “Rashomon-style narrative,” and it has been widely imitated and analyzed in film and other forms of media.

Beyond its innovative storytelling techniques, “Rashomon” is also significant because it introduced Japanese cinema to the world stage. The film won several awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and it was a critical and commercial success both in Japan and internationally. It helped establish Kurosawa as one of the greatest directors of all time and influenced countless filmmakers around the world.

Rashomon’s impact on film and storytelling has been far-reaching, and the Rashomon-style narrative has been used in numerous films and other works since its introduction. Some examples in television include:

1. “The Simpsons” (1989-present) – The episode “Trilogy of Error” uses the Rashomon effect to tell three interconnected stories from the point of view of different characters.
2. “Community” – “Cooperative Calligraphy” (Season 2, Episode 8): The episode revolves around a missing pen, and each member of the study group gives their version of events, leading to humorous and conflicting perspectives.
3. “Lost” – “The Other Woman” (Season 4, Episode 6): The episode explores the affair between two characters, Juliet and Goodwin, as their different perspectives on their relationship and interactions are revealed.
4. “How I Met Your Mother” – “The Yips” (Season 3, Episode 10): Barney recounts his version of events at a bar, while others provide conflicting accounts, showcasing the differences in their perceptions.
5. “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” – “The Gang Goes on Family Fight” (Season 10, Episode 8): The episode centers around a game show appearance, and each member of the Gang presents their own distorted and biased recollections of the events leading up to the show.
6. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” – “The Crime Scene” (Season 4, Episode 6): The episode explores a case involving a stolen package, and different characters provide their unique perspectives and interpretations of the crime scene and suspects.
7. “Psych” – “Cloudy…With a Chance of Murder” (Season 1, Episode 12): The episode features the investigation of a murder at a local weather station, with multiple characters presenting their versions of events and suspects.
8. “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” – “Rashomama” (Season 6, Episode 21): In this episode, the team investigates the murder of a Japanese tourist, and each witness provides a different account of the crime, leading to conflicting testimonies.
9. “Veronica Mars” – “An Echolls Family Christmas” (Season 1, Episode 10): The episode centers around a Christmas party gone wrong, with different characters providing their perspectives on the events and revealing hidden motives and secrets.
10. Star Trek: The Next Generation – “A Matter of Perspective” (Season 3, Episode 14): In this episode, Commander Riker is accused of murder, and different witnesses present their varying accounts of the incident. The story is told through a series of flashbacks, each showing a different perspective and interpretation of the events that led to the alleged crime. As the crew members give their testimonies, the truth behind the incident is gradually revealed.

A recent example on the big screen was Ridley Scott’s 2021 historical drama “The Last Duel”. The film is based on the book of the same name by Eric Jager and is set in 14th-century France. It tells the true story of a high-profile trial by combat known as “The Last Duel.”

The film revolves around the lives of three central characters: Jean de Carrouges (played by Matt Damon), Jacques Le Gris (played by Adam Driver), and Marguerite de Carrouges (played by Jodie Comer). Jean and Jacques are knights and close friends, but their relationship becomes strained when Marguerite accuses Jacques of sexually assaulting her.

In a time when accusations of rape were not easily proven, Jean challenges Jacques to a judicial duel to settle the dispute. The film follows the events leading up to the duel, including the perspectives and testimonies of Jean, Jacques, and Marguerite. Each character presents their version of the truth, leading to conflicting accounts and differing perceptions of the incident.

“The Last Duel” explores themes of truth, justice, honor, and gender dynamics within a feudal society. It delves into the power dynamics between men and women, the biases of the legal system, and the consequences of accusations and the pursuit of justice through trial by combat.

The film is known for its distinct three-part structure, where each section is dedicated to one character’s perspective. It examines the complexities of truth and interpretation while shedding light on the cultural and social norms of the time period.

How amazing it is to see that Rashomon’s influence can still be felt over 70 years later to create compelling and complex narratives.