Duck Amck Analysis

In this analysis paper, I will be looking at the animated Warner Brothers short “Duck Amuck” by Chuck Jones. Jones was a well known and admired animator, producer, storyboard writer, and director for Warner Brothers Cartoon Studios, most remembered for his work with Loony Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts. Not only this, but Jones is also recognized as the animator that developed Bugs Bunny’s personality and the personalities of many other beloved characters and made them the celebrated animated legends they are today. He also introduced the use of color smudging - a technique very useful in animating motion - while experimenting with different techniques applicable to animation. However, in “Duck Amuck”, he works more with concepts than techniques. Looney Tunes had already become well known for having its characters consistently break the 4th wall - Warner Brothers Cartoon Studios being the first to introduce this
Throughout the whole scene, there is a constant, zaney clashing between Daffy and the animator who is controlling everything that occurs upon their own desire. The way Daffy is manipulated by the animator just makes him seem like a play thing bending, almost sadistically, at the animator’s whim, making him dance for the audience’s amusement. At the end of the short, Daffy is pushed to his breaking point and demands to know who is torturing him like this. The camera then zooms out and reveals the animator is none other than Bugs Bunny, the character widely known for being well versed in how to push Daffy’s buttons. Both of their performances are absurdly hilarious throughout and always have the viewers wondering what will happen next. “Duck Amuck” was an extraordinary, groundbreaking animation that really showed how bright of a future was in store for the