Bill Nichols' suggests there are six different modes of documentary filmmaking, Poetic, Expository, Participatory, Reflexive, Observatinal and Preformative. These modes use different approaches to express their topics. In this blog post I will be exploring these modes.
- Poetic Mode - This mode is usually subjective, as it favours the audiences views rather then a determinant argument set by the filmmaker. It typically uses visuals to help guide audiences and has a rhythmic style.
- Expository Mode - This is usually a voice-over ('voice of God') that is directed at the viewer and shows information rather than an argument (this is used commonly for TV news shows)
- Observational Mode - this tries to observe the reality of the topic by having a 'fly on the wall' effect, it tries to make the filmmaker as non-noticeable as possible.
- Participatory Mode - when the filmmaker interacts with the subject, allowing for development or change in both the filmmaker and subject(s) or a reaction from the subject evoked by thee filmmaker.
- Reflexive Mode - this tries to show reality by displaying the documentary making process in the final documentary cut. The filmmaker becomes part off the film.
- Preformative Mode - addresses viewer, and usually involves the filmmaker as participant. This can be subjective or expressive and can be experimental
Although Bill Nichhols suggests these modes come in in order (in history) I disagree as these modes usually become hybrids and overlap. It also would mean that the older modes would be out of date and therefore not used inn modern times however this is not the case. I also feel that it is harder to achieve a pure mode and that the documentaries that enter into multiple modes are the once that interest for me the most.
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