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Brooke Midori Okamura
Art Film and Art House theaters became huge during the time of the 1950s. Art Film centered around foreign films and how they are interpreted by western cultures. During this time, film began to be taken more seriously especially before it was seen as simply entertainment and entertainment purposes. As for Art House Theaters, they gained prominence in the 1950s. In the 1950s there was a lot of conformity postwar and called for normalcy. After war and the trauma that was caused by World War II, America yearned for normal life; therefore exhibiting the nature of suburbia and the idea of an ideal American family. Because of this, there was a population in America that also yearned for difference from the majority. These nonconformists wanted to be differentiated in the way they perceived and watched films. In ways of doing this, people would go to Art House Theaters to watch distinct art films and foreign films.
Rashomon was a major film within Japanese cinema as it gained prominence across the world. Rashomon was a storytelling film that changed between different perspectives of the different characters. It also used flashback in ways to contribute to the idea of these two men and their struggle to attain this woman which then led to a robbery and a murder. This turns out to be much more complex as the story continues to change from character to character as their perspectives and stories all differ from one another. I also took note of the sound that was used throughout the film which was key to the suspension and action of the film as the sword-fighting carried on and as the man found the dead body with the dagger and so forth. Suspension is carried on with the long takes as they continue to fight, enter the woods, and show the characters speaking to one another during the storm.
As an auteur, Akira Kurosawa used dynamic editing in ways that became really popular within cinema. This led to the popular cinema of it all as it was easily accessible to western cultures leading to its international prominence. Popular cinema is classified as cinema that is widely spread internationally and has cultural context within it. Rashomon exhibited both things as it was a film that gained attention world-wide as it was introduced at the Venice Film Festival. At this festival, Rashomon was able to claim the golden lion award which is the highest honor and award that can be received, and also an Academy Award for the best foreign film. These awards made the film a renowned movie within all cultures as it migrated internationally qualifying it as a popular film and solidifying its eminence within the world.
Diana Sofia Alberto
I. Auteurs is a French word, describing a distinct and unusual style linked to an artist or creative. Japanese cinema at its rise, alongside the concept of "auteurs" grew to be understood as a working system that belong together. Auteurs can be seen in Japanese filmmakers such as; Yasujiro Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Akira Kurosawa. These directors delivered and became the definitive meaning of post-war Japan to audiences outside of Japan. Through availability to Western audiences, unique portrayals of family/relationship dynamics, and particular editing styles just to name a few of the transformative concepts and techniques they introduced to cinema as a whole, these directors ruled the auteur timeline. Through their distinct style of execution and personal touch that allowed the audience to truly begin pinning a work to a name did these artists create a further understanding of cinema and Japanese cinema. As read earlier this week, Kurosawa made it clear that his priority was to reach the youth of Japan through prominent ideals embedded in Japanese culture.
II. Rashomon (1950) as told through the eyes of Akira Kurosawa we have a depiction of love, possible infidelity, and deceit. As well as a more prominent concept of human selfishness. We see the narrative of the plot unfold three different times. Which reminded me a lot about one of my favorite films Mr. Nobody (2009) in which we see Nemo live out three different lives all without a clear ending or explication for what truly happened. Much as like we see in Rashomon. What served as an introduction to style was the fact that the narrative in Rashomon was told through different people and then this incident being discussed or retold by another group. Furthermore, proving the overall idea of misinterpretation and human falsity. There are several reasons to why this film was and continues to be considered one of the greatest films ever created. I believe the ambiguity that is presented with the presence of changing narratives, leaving an unclear ending, and overall depiction of dynamic editing leaves the audience craving more.
III. Rashomon is considered to be a creation by an auteur through its traditional meaning and frameworks. Meaning this is a film explicitly delivering the unique perspective and form of execution in which a a director presents his work to the world. As well as being an auteurial presentation, this film is also within the limelight of being an art film. Seen as something narrative-based, international, and grounded. In other words something not avant-garde and rather realistic in concept to something everyday people feel or may encounter. Rashomon became prevalent during the rise of art films and the appreciation for the depthless that can be found within a moving picture. Prioritizing foreign cinema, especially in the US as something different and exotic to observe, in hopes of becoming a part of or simply as a distinction of class status. Revealing the layers not once present in the film industry.