What is The Rashomon Effect — Definition, Examples in Film

The Rashomon Effect is used in a range of subjects from storytelling to psychology to law. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the origins of the effect, what it means, and its influence on both film and culture.Rashomon is one of those iconic films that have transcended cinema and impacted culture.

The Rashomon Effect definition

A rare storytelling term that is used in areas of film, science and law

• Used in so many industries, it is often used interchangeably with Rashomon (the same name as “The Big Sleep”)
• Some examples of these include:

Akira Kurosawa’s Color Palette

Although Rashomon was originally a black and white film, Akira Kurosetzko is known for his brilliant use of color in his later films

What is the Rashomon Effect?

A term used to describe how a single event can be described in a variety of ways due to the unreliability of multiple witnesses

• The witnesses’ unreliability and subjectivity are a result of situational, social, and cultural differences

Unreliable Narrator

In 1950, films were presented from a more objective point of view

• This allowed audiences to see the characters as they were or how the filmmakers intended
• However, Kurosawa’s use of unreliable narrators in Rashomon did not tell the audience how to feel or what to believe – the audience had to decide that for themself

The Rashomon Effect

When Rashomon won first prize at the Venice film festival in 1951, Akira Kurosawa’s use of non-linear storytelling, unreliable narrators, and dynamic cinematography was groundbreaking.

• The film opens with three men, a priest, a commoner and a woodcutter, taking shelter from a storm under the Rashōmon Gate in Kyoto.
• A bandit is accused of murdering a Samurai and raping the Samurai’s wife, but each account of the events is different and contradictory.

Ambiguous Endings

In theory, the Rashomon Effect should leave an audience dissatisfied or even frustrated. However, it engages an audience even after the credits roll leaving room for discussion and interpretation.

• It is not ambiguous for the sake of mystery or confusion, but rather to reiterate themes and larger concepts.

Takeaways for screenwriters

Rashomon’s impact on cinema is difficult to quantify since its ideas and techniques changed how filmmakers approach story itself.

Conflict

Conflict drives a plot forward, reveals character, and engages an audience

• The Rashomon Effect is based on contradicting reports of the same event
• In Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, a group of thieves begin to turn on each other after a robbery goes wrong

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