Modes of Documentary

Bill Nichols identifies that there are 6 different types of documentary that he defines as the “Six Modes of Documentary”.

Performative Documentary (Filmmaker as participant)

– There is an emphasis on the subjective nature of the documentarian whilst acknowledging the subjective reading of the audience simultaneously

– A focus on the social and emotional impact on the audience

Poetic Documentary (Subjective, artistic expression)

– Grasps at an inner truth by moving away from looking at the reality of a situation that conveys this message in a way that only poetic manipulation can make it understood

– There is a clear emphasis on descriptive passages, visual associations and tonal or rhythmic qualities

– This mode focuses on mood and tone

Reflexive Documentary (Awareness of process)

– There is an awareness of the constructive nature of documentary which is flaunted, conveying to the audience that its not necessarily the truth but a reconstruction of it

– The audience is made aware of the different elements of the filmmaking process such as the editing and the sound recording which exposes the artifice of the documentary

Participatory Documentary

– The filmmaker has an impact on the events which is acknowledged and they can often be the most celebrated part of the documentary

– Direct engagement between the filmmaker and the subject/s

Expository Documentary (Voice of God)

– The most commonly referred to mode of documentary

– This mode prominently uses verbal commentary through the use of a narrator that presents an argument using relevant and logical information through direct address that results in a right answer conveyed to the audience whilst offering a preferred meaning

– Most associated with nature documentaries and the news presented on TV

Observational Documentary

– Most appropriately seen in Cinema Verite (direct cinema) which emerged towards the late 50s/early 60s, attempting to capture objective reality which places the filmmaker as just an observer

– The filmmaker will remain hidden behind the camera whilst being ignored by their surrounding environment

– The camera often rushes about to keep up with the natural actions occurring which results in rough and amateur-like footage

– Referred to as ‘fly on the wall’ documentary