Different Modes of Documentary

Expository

• Speech is with someone who is heard, yet not seen.

• A lot of archive material is used to back up their points.

• The purpose of this mode of documentary is to reveal a new perspective on a point of view with the aim to start some sort of a movement of change.

Observational

• The idea is to show the viewers an observation without interfering.

• This sort of a documentary is left with an open bias, allowing for the viewer to make up their mind on their perspective.

• Often referred to as ‘a fly on the wall’.

Reflexive

• The viewer is just as interested about how the film is constructed as they are the actual content.

• The creator is part of, and comments on the action in the scene.

Performative

• Used to provoke an emotive response from the viewer.

• Usually voice overs on top of unusual sequences of footage.