This is one that I had heard a lot about during my theatre school days, but I never got around to watching.
Just a few thoughts as I reflect on the movie:
-What happened to dialogue where every single character was a philosopher? I know it’s not realistic, but how refreshing that even these bandits under a broken temple gate are all reflecting on the nature of man
-The score! And the notable ABSENCE of the score during the fourth retelling of the story made the fight actually hysterical
-We need more dead men to testify via mediums in court
-I haven’t seen any other Kurosawa films but this guy clearly knows how to frame a face. The faces of these people are the whole film and they make it extraordinary
-I think Tajomura took the laugh from the woman. Assuming the fourth retelling is the most accurate (which the narrative admits it also lies), the great bandit didn’t laugh like he did in the court scene.
-The baby at the end: a perpetual symbol of humanity’s second chance at living an honest, selfless life? Not quite sure what to do with the ending, which is something I love in all narratives.
I’ve been watching a lot of Disney/Pixar/Dreamworks movies because of my kid, so I was grateful to watch a film of real magnitude with RASHOMON. What are y’all’s thoughts on the film? How has it made an impact on you?
It's been over a decade since I've seen Rashomon, so I don't remember it well. But, one thing I've noticed about Kurosawa's films is that, although they may seem a little cliche nowadays, that's because tons of directors have been influenced by him and his works. But, even though there is usually a feeling of "we've seen this before", they're still super engaging. Seven Samurai, for example, is probably the fastest three hours you'll ever spend with a movie. It feels like it's half that. Circling back to Rashomon, it was really well done. You never really knew who to believe.
Yeah the problem with pioneers is that everyone copies them. Even still, I found Rashomon engaging on its own merits. It even felt kind of like a silent film at times despite all the dialogue and music--probably because of how it studied its faces. Not entirely sure my wife did, but she doesn't nerd out like me.
Seven Samurai and The Hidden Fortress are on my list for next to watch. I know Hidden Fortress influenced Star wars, so I'm excited for how many things feel old hat.
Listening to the four accountings in Rashomon made me feel like a reporter. There were convergences and divergences, but clearly they were responding to a real event. There's a story going on, and yet everyone is also all liars. I loved it.
Another fun comparison is to watch Seven Samurai, then watch The Magnificent Seven.
Oooh! I'll have to do that!