Documentary modes of address

Expository Mode -Voice of god

 

Often uses a narrator and has some kind of verbal commentary or logic. It assumes a logical argument and uses a direct address to the viewer. This mode of address is often associated with films such as nature documentary's, David Attenborough  

 

Poetic Mode

 

This is a documentary where the purpose is not necessarily to portray objectivity and reality, instead it is more focused on subjectivity and artistic expression; oaten used to show "inner truth". This mode of address is often associated with films such as Robert Flaherty's Man of Aran.

 

Observational Mode

 

This is when the filmmaker takes on the role of a natural observer often known as "fly on the wall" and attempts to capture reality objectively, and show the world as accurately as possible.

The film maker stays behind the camera and doesn't include themselves in the footage, or influence what they are filming. Nothing is staged and this kind of filming often comes across as looking amateur or roughly cut. This mode of address is often associated Cinema Verite or Direct Cinema, which emerged in the 50's / 60's.

Participatory Mode

This is when the film maker has direct contact with the surroundings and subjects within the film, they engage with the filming and often shape or bias the material captured as the become part of the events being filmed. The often place themselves as a character in the documentary and become part of the narrative. This mode of address is often associated with films by Michael Moor and Nick Broomfield.

Reflexive Mode

This is when the documentary acknowledges the fact that the filming is somewhat constructed and plays up to that, showing that it isn't necessarily the truth but is more a reconstruction of the truth. In this the construction of the documentary is exposed and the audience is aware of the fact it includes editing to sound, filming etc. This mode of address can be found in the film Man with a Movie camera by Dziga Vertov in the late 20's.

Performative Mode

In this mode again the filmmaker is a participant but it emphasises the subjective nature of the documentarian as well s accepting the subjective reading by the audience. This has the effect of emphasising the emotional and social impact upon the audience. This mode of address is found in the film Supersize Me by Morgan Spurlock and many say that it can be found with Michael Moore's films also.