What is the Uncanny Valley – How to Use It and How to Avoid It in Film

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The Uncanny Valley Explained – We examine what makes human-like robots, dolls, and CGI so creepy.

What is the Uncanny Valley? ►►
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the Uncanny Valley
00:39 - Origin of the Uncanny Valley Theory
02:07 - Intentional vs. Unintentional
02:42 - Uncanny In The Horror Genre
03:34 - Masks and Creepy Dolls
04:30 - Eyes
05:55 - Movement
06:42 - Creepy Smiles
07:42 - They Look Just Like US
08:10 - Possession
08:50 - Conclusion

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MASAHIRO MORI UNCANNY VALLEY THEORY

In 1970, Japanese roboticist Masahiro Mori published the essay Bukimi No Tani (不気味の谷), which translates roughly to "The Uncanny Valley." In it, Mori theorized that human-like objects, such as robots, become more appealing the more “real” they look; however, there is a point in which they look “too real” and enter into the uncanny valley.

WHY DOES UNCANNY VALLEY HAPPEN?

The uncanny valley happens because our minds are wired to recognize and empathize with humans – but when something looks human yet lacks the essential subtleties of a real person, our brains register it as wrong. In these cases, humans hyper-fixate on small details that don't reach perfect verisimilitude, such as the rate at which robots blink their eyes, or the speed at which they move their limbs.

THE UNCANNY VALLEY EFFECT IN FILM

The uncanny valley effect is used by filmmakers to creep out the audience. This can be done a myriad of ways; for example: zombie movies feature monsters that appear human at a distance, but become uncanny when we notice their unusual movements. The 2022 film M3GAN featured a doll-like robot that terrified moviegoers; the Megan uncanny valley was most often entered when audiences noticed the character's unnatural facial movements, inhuman eyes, and blood-curdling mannerisms.

UNCANNY VALLEY EXAMPLES

The uncanny valley is a huge topic in robotic research. Companies hoping to create androids that are indistinguishable from humans have to contend with the how the slightest of imperfections can shock (and even repulse) potential customers. CGI artists also struggle with the uncanny valley; for example: the 2019 film Cats received poor reviews largely because its oddly anthropomorphic felines unsettled audiences.

In the years since Mori's inception, the uncanny valley has been studied by countless researchers and academics. Not everybody agrees with Mori's theory; some critics argue that culture, age, and experience significantly alter subjective interpretations of the uncanny valley. Moreso, the uncanny valley is easy to avoid; robotocists and artists can incorporate "cartoonish" elements in their work to stop short of entering the uncanny valley. Still, the uncanny valley can be purposefully invoked by anybody hoping to terrify their audience.


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♬ SONGS USED:

“Trevor’s Lair” - Roque Baños
“Sleepless” - Roque Baños
“Red Bat With Teeth” - Angelo badalamenti
“Anthem” - Michael Abels
“The Spectacle Is Repeated” - Shiro Sato
“The Chapel” - John Frizzell
“8” - Donald Rubenstein
“Tape Deck” - Charlie Clouser
“Lights Out” - John Carpenter
“No Male Visitors” - Steven Price
“Bulletin Board” - Craig McKay
“Les Yeux Sans Visage” - Maurice Jarre
“The Test Worked” - Ben Salisbury
“Smile” - Nat King Cole
“Angel of Death” - Denny Zeitlin
“Humanity Pt. 2” - Ennio Morricone
“Tubular Bells” - Mile Oldfield

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