Research - Documentary Theorists

Bill Nichols - 6 Modes of Documentary 

He identified six sub-genres of documentary in his book 'Introduction to Documentary'. These were poetic, expository, participatory, observational, reflexive and performative. 

• Expository (voice of god) is the most used form of documentary, often seen in nature documentaries and John Grierson documentaries.

March of the Penguins (2005) is an example of a expository documentary with a 'voice of god' narration.

• Poetic (subjective, artistic expression). This emphasises the visuals and often includes long, descriptive passages. 

Robert Flaherty’s Man of Aran (1938)  follows the poetic mode because Flaherty filmed scenes intended to fit into his desired narrative, rather than allowing reality to guide his direction.

• Observational (objective). This tries to capture objective reality with the filmmaker as a neutral observer.

Tracking Down Maggie (1994) is an observational documentary about Nick Broomfield unofficially accompanying Margaret Thatcher on her book tour.

• Participatory. Includes direct engagement between the filmmaker and the subject. The filmmaker is apart of the events. 

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) is a participatory documentary because Michael Moore (the filmmaker) is on camera and engages with the subjects.

• Reflexive (awareness of the process). This realises the constructed nature of documentaries and flaunts it.

Catfish (2010) is a reflexive documentary because the construction of the documentary, sound, editing etc. is made aware to the audience.

• Performative (filmmaker as participant). This emphasises the emotional impact on the audience and the subjectivity of the filmmaker.

Supersize Me (2004) is an example of a performative documentary because the filmmaker is actually involved and participates in eating McDonalds everyday for 30 days.

John Corner 

Believes that there are 5 elements to documentaries. 

• Observation. A sense of observation is needed and can be used as evidence. 
• Interview. Documentaries rely on interviews to create an balanced argument and give a wider view.
• Dramatization. Used to create a sense of conflict and build up an argument.
• Mis en scene. This is important for constructing reality. 
• Exposition. This is when the documentary reveals what argument is being explored, which can be done through narrative, descriptions or commentary.