Forms of Documentary

Reflexive

Definition: In which the film maker acknowledges their presence – they are in front of the camera and give some narrative guidance.

Extra information:To aid the audience in their understanding of the process of construction in film so that they could develop a sophisticated and critical attitude.

Poetic

Definition: In which and artist narrative is constructed – sometimes the topic is more human interest rather than current affairs led.

Extra information:This mode of documentary film tends toward subjective interpretations of it’s subject. Light on exaggeration, documentaries in this mode forsake traditional narrative content.

Observational

Extra information:“new, light equipment made possible an intimacy of observation new to documentary, and this involved sound as well as image” (Barnouw 1993). The move to lighter 16mm equipment and shoulder mounted camera allowed documentarians to leave the anchored part of the tripod.

Definition: Being there as events unfold - these documentaries tend to follow a person or event and document their journey as it occurs. The camera remains as unobtrusive as possible, allowing the audience to make up their own mind.

Expository

Definition: An analysis and exposition of a person or topic – for example Michael Moore exposes society to forms of political corruption.

Extra information:This mode’s emphasis is on rhetorical content, and it’s goal of persuasion. Narration is a distinct innovation of this type of documentary – it holds the weight of explaining and arguing a film’s rhetorical content. This mode collects footage that functions to strengthen the spoken narrative.

Participatory

Extra information:The film maker becomes directly involved with the issue being addressed; he becomes a character in the film; his impact on the events in the film are shown.

Definition: Welcomes direct engagement between film maker and subject – the film maker becomes part of the events being recorded.