Reflexivity

Reflexivity refers to a certain dynamic used in film and in animation to demostrate the subject's awareness of being a film or cartoon. For instance, a character blocks the camera or talks to the audience. The animated short "Duck Amuck" by Chuck Jones is widely considered the "breakout" cartoon for reflexivitiy. Throughout the cartoon, Daffy Duck is fighting against his creator for the scenery he wants, as well as costumes and props (and even sound!). This cartoon became famous because it explores the many different ways in which an animated short can be reflexive.