Jan Svankmajer

Jan Svankmajer is an example of a film-maker whom uses objects to express the uncanny; he does this through bringing the objects to life via movement resembling human characteristics. This results in a sinister and eerie atmosphere within Svankmajer's short films.  

Svankmajer's Jabberwocky (1971) shows how stop motion animation can be used to make it appear as though objects have come to life. 

Jabberwocky has frightening qualities as familiar objects have become strange, for example, Svankmajer uses dolls which many can relate to as a comforting and recognisable toy from childhood, however Svankmajer has taken the innocence from the objects as he shows them partaking in 'cannibalism', accompanied by a somewhat eerie soundtrack. The awareness of the uncanny here leads to a feeling of repugnance from the viewer. 

The familiar genre also adds to the 'uncanny' as with animation, one has certain expectations regarding style and content, that is, most would imagine Disney and children's animated films. However Svankmajer has taken the genre of animation to a whole new level and twisted and warped it until it is somewhat unrecognisable. This again is challenging the viewer's knowledge of animation and what an animated film involves. 

Jan Svanmajer is bringing something to life that should not have life and this is what causes the confusion between animate and inanimate.