Consider theoretical interpretations of the 'uncanny' in relation to Movie Review

Consider theoretical interpretations of the 'uncanny' in relation to the British film THE WICKER MAN andor DON'T LOOK NOW - Movie Review Example For Freud, then, this is the origin of the terror that has come to be associated with things that are 'uncanny'. It should be clear from the above that, if we are to apply the notions of the uncanny to the horror film genre, then we must be quite precise about which theoretical formulation of the uncanny we are to apply. If we are to follow Jentsch's lead, and suppose that the uncanny arises purely from a cognitive lacuna, an absence knowledge, then we could say that the uncanny is utilized by almost every example of horror film. Horror relies on the unknown to create its atmosphere of terror; for example, it relies on the audience not knowing precisely when the ax-wielding murderer is about to leap out from behind the sofa. But surely this kind of scare is not precisely the same as a feeling we can call 'uncanny'. Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street may be very effective in making us scream (as too, I suppose is Scream), but we do not exit the cinema with a residual feeling of uneasiness that one might call 'uncanny.' As such we must come to the same conclusion that Schneider does in his st udy of the uncanny in film horror: "since not every monster that successfully instills in us a sense of horror or uncanniness is 'categorically interstitial,...incomplete, or formless,' cognitive threat could not be a necessary condition of uncanny feelings." In other words, we should turn to Freud's work and accept that the concept of the uncanny includes an element of repression, that this particular type of fear arises only when something we have repressed begins to make its influence felt once more in the forefront of our consciousness. If we do so, then the examples available to us from film history become much less common, and we must narrow our field down to the few that display a more subtle talent for terror. Nicolas Roeg's Don't Look Now and Robert Hardy's The Wicker Man, are two such works and, something that is hardly coincidental, are both considered cinematic greats of the horror genre. Their critical acclaim stems, in part, from their ability to create unease, as well as outright terror. They work on the level not just of film aesthetics, but of psychical processes. Before I begin our discussion of the two films in question, it may be helpful to orientate them in relation to Freud's seminal 1919 work, "The Uncanny". As we have already discussed, the point where Freud parts company with Jentsch is on the origin of the feeling of the uncanny. After an exhaustive study of the definition of the word un-heimlich in German, Freud comes to the conclusion that its meaning has evolved in such a way that, as well as meaning something that is un-homely (i.e. something untamed, frightening), it is also something that "ought to has remained hidden but has come to light" (156). It is also (and here Freud analyzes

Are there Cultural differences in Chinese and American Negotiations Essay

Are there Cultural differences in Chinese and American Negotiations - Essay Example These cultural differences make negotiations between nations extremely complex. Negotiations between two nations with different cultural views need a specific agreement which suits both parties. For instance, negotiations between America and Chinese may prove to be difficult since the two countries have completely different cultural views. These cultural differences include the take on freedom of expression, collectivism and individualism, social structure, moral and values and business relations. Since the two nations are among the trade super powers in the world, they must find a way to carry out these negotiations. This paper will highlight the cultural differences between the two nations and ways in which they incorporate their differences to carry out successful negotiations. The paper will also give a clear perspective on whether the negotiations are made out of will or out of circumstances. In an attempt to get a clear perspective of the entire theme, the following questions w ill be highlighted; how can Chinese corporate people respond or behave in a different way from American corporate people in international trade negotiations? Are the experiences and outcomes of tension in negotiations similar for Chinese and American business personalities? Do Chinese and American representatives feel diverse levels of anxiety in international business discussions? Do Chinese and American representatives respond to anxiety differently? Firstly, the American negotiating culture is guided by the lawyers. Americans believe negotiation to be an activity in international relations while Asians believe it to be a provision of the paternalistic company heads to create lasting relations. All American negotiators are bound with contracts or legal solutions, whereas customary Asian negotiators believe that relationships are the solution to a business and that contract are just written records of accord between people. Americans put these papers into perspective more than find ing lasting relationships with individuals. With this difference the two nations may find it difficult to be bound by a legal document (Pervez, 2003).The Chinese also believe and want a relationship without the consent of legal documents while America on the other hand, insists on the legal approach of negotiations. The American negotiation culture is the only culture that believes that liability can be allocated in advance through a written agreement. This is one of the numerous features of international negotiation that has grown to be normal, but it still hits traditional Asian negotiators as foolish- that Americans believe contracts binding even as the sales environment changes. Generally, Asian negotiators and Chinese to be specific believe that as the external position change, so must a corporate relationship. Scores of Chinese partners have been puzzled and disappointed when their American counterparts begin waving a piece of paper in their face instead of taking action fairl y and wisely to new market realism. This difference hinders many Chinese developers to negotiate with the Americans. The Chinese at most times feel that they are been treated unfairly and that their relationship is not trusted. On another angle, the Americans believe in the completion of negotiations while the Chinese consider negotiations as an eternal pact to business dealings. Chinese believe that once one has