Truth is a mystery: The Rashomon effect

Article by Sreehari | From BeTales March 2025 Issue

The Rashomon effect is a phenomenon that describes how different people can interpret the same event in various ways. The effect is named after Akira Kurosawa's 1950 Japanese film 'Rashomon' in which a murder is described in four contradictory ways by four witnesses. The Rashomon Effect originated as a storytelling and narrative technique in cinema. Over time, it has been applied not only in films and books but also in law, philosophy, and psychology.

The Rashomon Effect and Movies

Australian science fiction thriller 'Predestination', though it is a time travel movie, the Rashomon effect is evident through the multiple perspectives of the same character who experiences different events at various points in time. One individual is the protagonist, the antagonist, and several other characters, here, the Rashomon effect is applied within the time travel paradox.

'Virumaandi' (2004), starring Kamal Haasan and Pasupathy, is a great example of the Rashomon effect. The film explores multiple perspectives on an alleged murder through interviews with two prisoners, each telling their side of the story. It raises questions about the nature of truth, leaving viewers to piece together the fragmented narratives.

The Rashomon effect can also be seen in movies like Talvar(2015), Ittefaq(2017), Vada Chennai (2018), and many others.

The Rashomon Effect and Novels

“Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman is about a group of strangers who become hostages during a failed bank robbery at an open house. As the story unfolds, each character’s backstory and perspective on the hostage situation are revealed, showing how different people interpret the same events. The novel offers conflicting or incomplete viewpoints showing that reality is often a blend of different perspectives.

“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins is a thriller that revolves around three different female narrators. “An Instance of the Fingerpost” by Iain Pears, “Atonement” by Ian McEwan, and “Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell are some other examples of the Rashomon effect that can be seen in novels.

To know how the same concept is used in philosophy and law, check out our BeTales March 2025 Issue available in Amazon : https://amzn.in/d/bMtv7eR