Distancing effect

Okay kiddo, do you know how when you watch a movie or a play, you can sometimes forget that what you're seeing isn't real? Well, the distancing effect is when the people who make the movie or play do things to remind you that what you're watching isn't real, so you don't forget.

For example, imagine you're watching a play where someone gets hurt. If the actor just keeps acting like they're hurt, you might forget that it's not real and start feeling really sad or worried. But if the actor breaks character and talks directly to the audience, or does something silly, it reminds you that it's just a play and no one is really hurt.

The distancing effect is important because it helps you look at what you're watching from a more critical, thoughtful perspective. It can help you see how the play or movie is trying to make you feel or think, and it can make you appreciate the artistry of the people who made it. Does that make sense, little one?