On Being Uncanny

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On Being Uncanny

Reviews the concept of being uncanny as presented in Sigmund Freud's book "The Uncanny" and Steven Spielberg's movie "Artificial Intelligence".

3,110 words () | 2 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Sigmund Freud in his 1919 essay "The Uncanny" examined the different meanings of the term 'uncanny'. To understand how familiar things can become frightening, Freud examined the usage of the term 'uncanny' in various languages, which the author presents in this paper. The author points out that, as Freud indicated, the fear of the 'double' can produce an uncanny feeling, which is portrayed in Spielberg's movie, "Artificial Intelligence" (A.I.). The paper concludes that Freud's essay was interesting but confusing; however, Spielberg's "Artificial Intelligence" is a must watch movie.

Table of Contents:
Sigmund Freud's "The Uncanny"
Steven Spielberg's movie "Artificial Intelligence"
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The theme of the 'double' by Otto Rank has also been discussed in Freud's essay. The 'double' relates to the mirror reflection, shadow, spirits, and fear of death. "The double was originally an insurance against the destruction of the ego" (Freud, 2003). According to Freud, the uncanny can be produced by the 'double', as the 'double' has become a factor of terror. For instance, when we look at ourselves in the mirror, we may not see ourselves as being what we are, but as something else, which may be negative, and this is derived from our conscience."