Modes of Documentaries. SS

There are a total of six Documentary modes:

1. Poetic mode - "Resembling fragments of the world". They take historical material and turn it into a more abstract style, and quite often  they turn it into a lyrical form, too. These documentaries are more often than not associated with the 1920's.

2. Expository mode - These Documentaries put social issues in an argumentative frame. It directly addresses these issues.

3. Observational mode - These documentaries try to have as little interaction with the situations being filmed as possible for the sake of making the footage as true to life as possible. There is also little, or no control over lighting, actors, sets and costume etc. This also makes the footage as true to life as possible.

4. Participatory mode - These documentaries are where the filmmaker interacts a lot with the situation and characters being filmed, asking questions, and generally engaging in the situations. They also rely heavily on the honesty of witnesses.

5. Reflexive mode - These documentaries are very questioning and uncertain. They leave the viewer being able to make their own judgement or opinion of what they gave seen. They present the truth, as opposed to constructing it.

6. Performative mode - These types of documentary acknowledges the emotional and subjective aspects of Documentary. They are often in an autobiographical style.

Sophie.