Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-8ctnn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-20T01:19:04.046Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

1204 – The Uncanny - a Cinematic And Psychodynamic Exploration

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2020

Y. Spinzy*
Affiliation:
Ward A, Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon Program of Psychotherapy, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.
Introduction

The “Uncanny” (Das Unheimliche), a concept coined by Sigmund Freud (1919) and presented in art and psychotherapy. It is when an experience can be familiar, yet foreign at the same time, resulting in an uncomfortably strange or familiar feeling.

Objective

A theoretical investigation and comparison of the “Uncanny” concept in the cinematic and psycho-therapeutic setting.

Aims

  1. 1. Exploring the cinematic Uncanny motifs in two films by screenwriter, Charlie Kaufman: “Being John Malkovich” and “Adaptation”.

  2. 2. Exploring these motifs and understanding them in the context of a case study of prolonged psycho-dynamic psychotherapy.

  3. 3. Outlining practical implications for the use of this concept in psycho-dynamic psychotherapy.

Methods

Through cinematic analysis of the films we describe the development of the uncanny experience. Thereafter, through narrative analysis of a case report, we refer to the obstacles created by the “Uncanny” experience in the psycho- therapeutic process.

Results

The cinematic motifs (“The Double” and “The Secret”) involved in the creation of the “Uncanny” experience are present and have a major effect on the therapeutic process. Exemplifying and analyzing their presentation seem to clarify possible obstacles that challenge the therapist.

Conclusions

The “Uncanny” is a concept that describes the human experience of sudden familiarity in a novel and strange situation. In this study we describe this phenomenon through psychoanalytic literature and explore it via popular films. It seems that recognizing the Uncanny in the therapeutic process may assist in engaging a therapeutic relationship and improving therapy outcomes.

Type
Abstract
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2013
Submit a response

Comments

No Comments have been published for this article.