Many of us appreciate the films that impress with smooth actions and talkative characters. Yet, some feel an inherent discomfort while viewing certain animations. Stop-motion films, especially those made with clay figures, can induce this discomfort.
This distinct fear is referred to as Lutumotophobia. I’m here to explain why it’s key for both enthusiasts and those who feel a shiver of discomfort at the sight.
As a psychiatrist, my studies from Amherst College through Stanford University School of Medicine have provided me the capacity to understand the fears that influence us all. My research has augmented my comprehension and also helped many to confront their fears—providing answers to questions like “what is the fear of stop motion called?” Keep reading; this exploration promises insights you wouldn’t want to miss.
Defining Lutumotophobia: The Fear of Stop Motion and Claymation
Transitioning from a brief explanation to a more detailed understanding of Lutumotophobia, I am keen to delve deeper into this phobia. Lutumotophobia signifies fear of stop-motion animation and claymation.
Stop-motion is a method that filmmakers use to create the illusion of inanimate objects moving. The process involves capturing a still image, subtly adjusting the object, and capturing the next image.
When these images are rapidly sequenced, it creates an illusion of motion.
The term was first mentioned by Janaia Twain in an article she published on July 17, 2018. She included an amusing yet insightful quote that accurately represents this fear:.
Ew fuck that shit I’m out; I have lutumotophobia.
This fear commonly arises while watching films that utilize clay figures or puppet animations. Films like “Coraline” or “The Nightmare Before Christmas” serve as examples. While some viewers appreciate the creativity in such films, others are unnerved by them.
As a practitioner, Dr. David D. Burns, my interactions with various phobias and anxiety disorders have become routine. At Stanford, where I teach and perform mental health research, I also focus on fears related to unique animation styles like stop-motion and claymation.
Urban Dictionary, an online platform, allows users globally to express their reactions to specific words or concepts. Here, fears induced by certain forms of animated visuals, intended for amusement rather than fright, are also documented.
Examples of Lutumotophobia in Popular Media
Stop motion films like “Coraline” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” show lutumotophobia well. These movies use clay figures to tell their stories, which may scare some viewers.
Coraline
I watched “Coraline,” directed by Henry Selick in 2009. It was a trip into a world where fantasy and reality blur. The movie shows Coraline finding a secret door. Behind it, she sees another life with her other parents who have buttons for eyes.
This detail alone scared me at first because the characters moved weirdly.
The story had courage and self-discovery at its heart. For me, facing my fear of claymation through this film was big. Seeing Coraline brave her fears helped me tackle mine against stop motion films, especially ones known to be scary like this one is among claymation movies.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Moving from Coraline, another spooky tale is “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This movie was made by Henry Selick, not Tim Burton as many think. It tells the story of Jack Skellington from Halloween Town who finds Christmas and wants to make it his own.
Made in 1993, this stop motion movie mixes Halloween and Christmas in a unique way.
People love watching it every year for both holidays. Its songs, made by Danny Elfman, are famous too. The film’s look and its music draw fans back time after time. Yet some find the characters’ design creepy or unsettling—just like those with lutumotophobia might feel.
But for others, the visual style of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a classic part of holiday traditions.
Conclusion
We’ve talked a lot about Lutumotophobia, the fear of stop motion like in Coraline or The Nightmare Before Christmas. This fear might come from how strangely these characters move or look.
Even though the movies can be fun and creative, they scare some people a lot. That’s okay – everyone feels scared by different things. If you find stop motion scary, you’re not alone.
Films are meant to stir up all sorts of feelings. And that includes being a bit afraid now and then!
For those curious about other unique phobias, read more about the fear of free-falling here.
FAQs
1. What is the fear of stop motion animation called?
Lutumotophobia refers to the fear of stop motion animation, often seen in films like “Coraline,” “Chicken Run,” and Disney’s claymation movies.
2. Why does stop motion animation terrify some people?
Stop-motion can be unsettling due to its unique visual style. The mix of real-time movement with puppetry or doll-like figures can create an eerie atmosphere that disturbs or even intimidates some viewers.
3. How does Lutumotophobia relate to other fears like claustrophobia or automatonophobia?
Claustrophobia involves a fear of enclosed spaces, while automatonophobia is a dread for humanoid figures such as statues, dolls, or puppets – elements commonly found in stop-motion cinema which may contribute to Lutumotophobia.
4. Can this fear affect children who watch cartoons featuring stop-motion techniques?
Yes, it can. Children might find certain characters from films like Wallace and Gromit, Mr Fox, or Rudolph creepy due to their quirky movements and unusual appearances created by 2D animation and real-time puppetry.
5. Are there any clinical treatments available for those suffering from Lutumotophobia?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has shown promise in treating phobias by helping patients process disturbing memories associated with their fears; however, more specific treatment options should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
6. Where can I get started if I want more in-depth information about Lutumotophobia related to Stop Motion Animation?
You could subscribe via email on various online platforms that track trends related to cinema-related phobias or join communities on sites like Reddit where users share personal experiences dealing with these types of fears.