Discuss the below in detail:
Texts:
Rashomon. Kurosawa. (Film)
TED Talk Elizabeth Loftus: The Fiction of Memory (Video link on Moodle).
FILMCLUB "Guide to Rashomon" (Link on Moodle).
"Distortion of Truth in Rashomon" (Link on Moodle).
"Film Style and Narration in Rashomon" (Link on Moodle).
Due date: Friday 9/19 Midnight
Question:
Elizabeth Loftus, a psychological scientist, is an expert on memory. She explains that instead of thinking of memory as a video recording, we are better to think of it as a constructive process. In other words, we don't simply recall an event; instead, we actively create the images, words, and details of what we believe occurred. Over time, these memories are susceptible to distortion and fabrication. What's more, the media, other people, and our own changing relationship to the past can also affect and change our memories.
In Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon, we are presented with the competing stories of several narrators, who are supposedly reporting on the same set of events. One story is even told by a ghost, further illustrating the notion that all narration is unreliable in this film.
Create a 500 word, thesis driven response, response the following question:
What do "The Fiction of Memory" and the film Rashomon suggest about the nature of memory, storytelling, and truth?
Follow Up Questions:
Here are some follow up questions to get you thinking. The following are meant to be brainstorming tools. You do not need to answer any or all of them in your response.
• What do we mean by subjective reality?
• Explain human ego. How does the notion of "ego" affect how we process events and then remember and narrate these events?
• How do the medium of film and its techniques (camera angle, lighting, music, etc.) help to communicate the themes of the film?
• Are there any clear heroes or villains in Rashomon? Why or why not?
• What is a false memory? How can memory change over time?
• How can stress affect how one processes and recalls traumatic events.
Guidelines:
All of you have already been randomly assigned to a small group. When you go to post for your Discussion Post requirement, you will automatically be posting within your small group forum. There is nothing extra you need to do to get into your groups.
Before the due date, review the assigned readings, films, and video clips. Then answer the discussion question thoughtfully and clearly.
Also so it is clear what the word count of your post is, please also write at the top of the page: Word count: xxx The word count should not include the discussion question or any other heading.
A discussion post should not be a summary of your readings, but it should be clear that you have understood the issues and details in the reading and that you have carefully reviewed the lecture video.
You are expected to offer short quotes and make a focused and detailed response to the discussion question. I am looking for strong critical thinking and strong writing.
You should be carefully planned, organized and edited. The post should have a clear thesis and point of view. Your ideas should be logical and your evidence judiciously selected.