In life, and especially in the times we now live in, it's clear there can be two (or more!) sides to every story. How different people percieve the same experience can be similar, or wildly different. In everyday life, relationships, or a court of law, this seems to be a universal truth - and perhaps one of the most compelling reasons we enjoy storytelling.
When applied to storytelling, this device has become known as Roshemon. Named after the 1951 Akira Kurosawa film entitled Roshomon, there have been countless stories told utilizing this method to create conflict, tension, mystery, and lead the audience along a path where there is no choice but to engage and become an active participant in the journey.
We'll discuss the Roshemon technique as applied to a few modern films and series, including Disclaimer (2024, AppleTV), The Affair (2014, Paramount+), and the series (not the 1987 movie) Fatal Attraction (2024, Peacock).
