Various Documentary Modes- By Jodie O'Neill

Expository

There are many typical conventions of an expository documentary, for example, a voice over is used to directly address the audience which can also create a relationship between the audience and film-maker. The voice over may be a commentator, who is heard but not seen or the voice can be seen and heard. A visible commentator is usually an expert in the topic being discussed. The images, representations, voices and content on screen usually helps to link to the film-makers message, however, this is not always the case.
There tends to be a strong sense of continuity throughout an expository documentary. This helps to develop the message being presented by the documentarian. The use of visual and verbal content is used to support the view of the film-maker by using relevant and objective material. Finally, expository documentaries attempt to persuade the audience to agree with the viewpoint of the documentarian by using facts and a realist approach.

Reflexive

A reflexive documentary usually contains methods used in fictional films for an emotional and expressive response from the audience. The film-maker tries to achieve this by highlighting the issues of the documentary in an "anti-realist" way by using dramatic and expressive music and lighting, as well as a questioning voice over who is often uncertain in approach. The reflexive style contrasts with the expository style, as the reflexive tone implies meaning and various viewpoints in comparison to the authoritative and strong nature of an expository tone.

Poetic

A poetic style creates a subjective view in an untypical manner of presentation. The narrative structure has a certain mood which can be enhanced by lighting, music and subject matter. The story is never concluded and there is a sense of non-continuity. These types of documentaries are experimental and are ground breaking due to the nature and message behind the documentary.

Observational

The documentarian usually takes part (but is not visible on screen) in the current situations by using a hand-held camera in a location shot. There is a rare presence of a voice over or interview, as the film-maker allow the documentary to flourish in its purest way. Those who are present in the documentary pretend to ignore/dismiss the role of the film-maker and act as naturally as possible. The synchronous sound helps to explore the realist viewpoint.

Performative

The subject content and the documentary maker communicate and interact in order to establish a moral and a specific point throughout the documentary. The documentarian usually comments on the process of creating the documentary and is often crafted into an investigation which does not always produce a fulfilling conclusion. The audience usually has an emotional and direct relationship with the journey of the documentary due to the content matter which targets emotive subjects such as identity rather than factual and scientific topics.


 Participatory

The documentary team interacts with the subject matter and the interviewees. The informal interviews usually lead the documentary journey. These questions are usually created "on-the-spot." Participatory documentaries may use archive footage in the past to relate to significant events documented throughout the episode. The location shots may be hand-held while the synchronous sound takes place in the background. Voice overs are created by the documentary maker but may include outside input. The visible documentary maker is involved with the on-going events.