A typical dictionary definition of a documentary is given as something along the lines of using pictures or interviews with people involved in real events to provide a factual report on a particular subject. To even make it more simple a documentary is an informative visual picture put together to inform or entertain an person about any particular subject. A documentary is more of an creative way to document about a particular subject rather than literally reading an document or any other text.
Bill Nichols (2001) an American critic and theoretician best known for his work on the identification of the 6 distinct modes a documentary can be:-
The Expository Mode:- This mode is probably the most common form seen on television. The aim of a expository documentary is usually to inform the audience about a place, an event or any other topic. An expository documentary may develop an argument if wanted to put a point across however that is not always the case.
Codes and Conventions of Documentaries (Click on image to Enlarge)
Why We Fight Series (1944) is a typical example of a Expository Documentary. A series of propaganda films made by Frank Capra to support WWII.
The Participatory Mode:- The narrator interacts with the audience, often the central character in the documentary. The documentary puts emphasis on the narrators interaction with the people they meet and their reactions to the interviews These are called Vox pops , which are mostly used in these types of documentaries.
Nick Brromfield's Kurt and Courtney (1998) is an example of a Participatory Documentary.
The Reflexive Mode:- This mode uses
specific footage and information that will lead viewers to a specific outcome
and therefore essentially make the decision of their opinions for them. They often acknowledge the constructed nature of the documentary, making it obvious to the viewer. These documentaries do not create sense of realism and follow a mockumentary format.
Louis Theroux's work would be a key example of Reflexive Documentaries here is an example of one of his many works Law and Disorder in Philadelphia (2012).
The Performative Mode:- They are closely linked to reflexive mode as they both investigate the relationship between the real world and the way in which documentaries represent it. They further challenge to idea of the 'truth' the documentary gives.
Supersize Me (2004) by Morgan Spurlock is an example of an Performative Documentary.
The Observational Mode:- This type of documentary looks real life subjects and what goes on in the world around us. It can based around life in an institution such as a hospital, prison clinic or focused around people; their lifestyles. My Bug Fat Gypsy Wedding (2001) example of an Observational Documentary.
The Poetic Mode:- An abstract approach to documentaries.They emphasize visual associations, tonal or rhythmic qualities description and form. They mostly come across as experimental and can bear close resembalance with the avant-garde genre. Codes and Conventions of the Poetic Mode:-
Koyaanisqatsi (1982) in other words known as Life out of Balance is an documentary film by Godfrey Reggio. The Documentary explores the unseen world using images, videos and music effectively together.
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