The Kuleshov Effect

The Kuleshov Effect is a film editing technique that demonstrates how the arrangement of images can influence viewers' interpretations of emotions. Named after Russian filmmaker Lev Kuleshov, the effect shows that an audience can derive meaning based on the sequence of shots. For example, a neutral expression on an actor can be perceived differently depending on the images that precede it—like a bowl of soup, a coffin, or a child. This highlights the powerful impact of context and editing in storytelling, revealing how our minds actively construct meaning from visual cues.