Why do sci-fi depictions of aliens almost always have 2 eyes, 2 arms, 2 legs and a torso?

Question

Do you think that we are arrogant as humans, or ignorant as dreamers? Ever notice that 2 legged creatures are more intelligent than the 4, 6 or 8 legged aliens too? Why?

Answer 1

The practical answer: Even in Hollywood, most of the actors are human. It's a lot easier to dress them in a mask and funny costume than try to make a full-size animatronic alien which wouldn't 'look real' and thus would detract from the production.

The literary answer: In SciFi, as in much other writing, the intent is to examine ideas from a different perspective or situation than what the reader is used to. This is especially noticeable on shows like Star Trek; the alien's different mindset, culture, goals etc. are more important than its physiology.

The scientific answer: Life on other worlds will probably be very strange - as someone said, 'not only stranger than we imagine but stranger than we *can* imagine.' Nonetheless, an examination of life on Earth shows that certain features are consistently preserved and may 're-evolve' independently. Among these are cephalization (concentration of sensory apparatus in a 'head' or forward area) and bilateral symmetry. Eyes have evolved on at least three separate occasions and always in symmetric numbers - usually two! If one assumes a technological species, then intelligence and manipulative digits of some kind are required. The only way to free up limbs for technological use is to adapt the remaining limbs to locomotion.

Thus, a bipedal and bilaterally symmetric body plan is as likely as any other for intelligent life - not the only option, but not unreasonable either. While there may be such a thing as an intelligent clam, it's unlikely to develop an expression or technological use of that ability.

Answer 2

Because strangely enough, most animals on Earth have 2 eyes, 1 nose, 1 mouth, 2 ears, 2 arms and 2 legs (or 4 legs) and a torso. Basically, it helps us to relate to the alien. Remember the movie "The Blob"? Who thought that was really scarey? The more you can interact with the alien, the more interesting it can be.

Answer 3

Well, first of all, it is science-"fiction", and the point of the best science fiction is to say something about our present human condition, not just to have cool alien races and technology. In this sense, it is just like any other genre of fiction.

The type of being you are describing is the least "alien" to us, so it's easier to wrap your head around it, and not be a distraction. If you're noticing, "hey, this book or this movie is making an alien that looks like...", then the writer or filmmaker is doing a lousy job. The idea is to tell the story in such a way that you are willing to suspend disbelief.

But again, the operative word is "fiction"....I think you're reading way too much into this. Are you embarrassed to be an "evil human", when there's so much "intelligent" life in the animal kingdom that man bullies around? Frankly, your question smacks less of a question about literary and filmmaking techniques as it does of another angle of the animal rights crowd to tell people they aren't as special as they act.

Answer 4

Most aliens are played by actors.
Most actors have 2 eyes, 2 arms, 2 legs and a torso.

Answer 5

So true. We create what we are familiar with. And, yes, I definitely have noticed the apparent higher intelligence of 2 legged aliens.

I wonder what the dolphins think?

Answer 6

Check out the aliens from "The Simpsons". One big eye and about 6 legs.

Answer 7

Because it's easier to put someone in a human-like creature costume than creating something huge, difficult to work with and expensive.

Answer 8

So that they can be portrayed by an actor in a costume.

Answer 9

Special effects are cheaper.

Answer 10

www.scifi.com/Q+A.odd?>% has all the answers.