métatextuel

Mètatextuel is a French adjective that translates to "metatextual" in English. It describes something that is self-referential or that comments on its own nature as a text. This concept applies to literature, film, art, and other forms of expression. A metatextual work might explicitly address the act of writing, the author's role, or the conventions of the genre it belongs to.

Examples of metatextuality include a novel where a character discusses the plot with the narrator, a film that breaks the fourth wall by having actors speak directly to the audience, or a painting that depicts the artist at work. The purpose of metatextuality can vary, from creating a sense of intimacy with the audience to exploring themes of reality and illusion, or to deconstructing the very medium in which the work is presented. It often invites the audience to think critically about the construction of meaning and the relationship between creator, creation, and consumer. This self-awareness can add layers of complexity and meta-commentary, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.