Manipulation by Daniel Greaves.

I would like to mention is an Oscar winner for the Best Animated short in 1992 and it is called “Manipulation” by Daniel Greaves. This animation without a doubt possesses reflexive ideas within its plot, as one can see certain similarities with Chuck Jones’ “Duck Amuck” animation from 1953. The latter is a long accepted classic example of reflexive animation. The plot is constructed out of conflicts between the animator and his character where the animator constantly changes the environment and the character himself according to his will. The viewers are being constantly reminded that this work is manmade, essentially by it being constantly constructed in front of their eyes.
Through the course of “Duck Amuck” and “Manipulation”, the character tries to communicate with the animator and displays his discontent in many ways, while being placed in a series of gags which he does not find amusing. Both animations show the process and “tools” of the animator, the variety of creational issues and the resolving of them.