For most of us, modeling and influencing culture brings to mind demanding workout routines, long photoshoots; catwalks, and celebrity Instagram accounts. Generally, we think of real people. However, as the culture expands and adapts to the digital age, more and more models (like Sinead Bovell) are considering alternate methods of modeling that don’t always include their physical presence.
Part of this shifting landscape is German model Lale, who is similarly concerned with keeping up with the times. Katharina Pethke’s documentary Uncanny Me follows Lale as she participates in scans to create a digital replica of herself–an intriguing topic for the documentary resource to explore, even if it doesn’t sufficiently unpack all the questions it raises about digital models.
Pethke’s choice to focus on a single model, Lale, is a meaningful one, as it leads to an emotional connection between us and the person this technology is affecting. But Lale is used as a crutch for Pethke, rather than a jumping-off point from which to explore all the implications of what the model is getting into. Lale’s perspective, while valuable, is a limited one.
The documentary doesn’t pull in enough experts to expand on that perspective, leaving us with a puny understanding of cloning technology. We at least get a strong impression of what these digital reconstructions could mean for Lale: Her considerations include the money, as well as the relief of not having to work tirelessly at photoshoots (a tedious process we get to witness her participation in). But there are also more ominous possibilities, such as losing ownership over her own image.
Uncanny Me fails to do much research into any of these possibilities, kindling a curiosity in its viewers as to the ethics of using digital models, but doing nothing whatsoever to sate it. The complimentary study guide helps fill in those gaps, but it’s frustrating that the same care for detail isn’t found in the film itself. Doubly frustrating, considering the artistry of Pethke’s filmmaking and Christoph Rorshcheidtz's cinematography, which are wasted on a project that lacks vision.
What public library shelves would this title be on?
Uncanny Me could be purchased for documentary and technology public library shelves.
What type of classroom would this documentary resource be suitable for?
With its focus on digital models, Uncanny Me would work well as a jumping-off point for classroom discussions on technology in the modern world. The documentary could also be incorporated into classes on fashion, modeling, and marketing.
Does this film have Public Performance Rights available?
Yes, public performance rights are available for this documentary resource. You can find purchasing details on EPF Media’s website.
- DVD: $29.95
- DVD w/ PPR: $250
- DSL & DVD w/PPR: $375