Nichols (1991) identified five different modes.
Unlike film, these categories are defined with reference to documentary techniques rather than subject matter.
1. Expository
Mostly used in Tv.
Voiceover narration, commenting & explaining in a direct address.
The aim is to inform.
It will usually develop an argument and is not objective.
Eg. Frozen Planet
2. Observational
'Fly on the wall'
Attempt to show the world as it is.
Long takes, handheld camera no interview or voiceover.
'A slice of life'
The audience should not be aware of the film maker.
Eg. The Family (1974) or One born every minute.
3. Participatory (interactive)
The filmmaker is foregrounded in the participatory mode.
Its made explicit that the film is made from their point of view.
Often they are the central character and their interaction and questioning of the subjects, lead the tone of the documentary.
Handheld camera, informal interviews.
Eg. Louis Theraux
4. Reflexive
Reflexive reveals how documentaries are produced as representations based on the construction & manipulation of the image.
Eg. Fahrenheit 9/11
5. Performative
Performative explicitly challenges the idea of documentary truth.
'Some of these scenes have been set up for your entertainment.'
Creating a new hybrid category called 'Reality-soap'.
Eg. The Only Way Is Essex
Documentary V Fiction
There will always be an element of editing and therefore structuring devices.
Establish a 'problem' or 'dilemma' to be eventually resolved.
How much manipulation occurs in this process?
Real people become characters
Eg. The Only Way Is Essex or Made In Chelsea
Function Of Documentary
Used to be that it should be educational and enlighten the audience.
Grierson (1920s) documentary could perform a democratic function, educating the ordinary citizen about wider social, political and cultural developments.
Eg. Jamie's School Dinners
Documentary & Ethics
Intrusive?
Voyeuristic?
What happens to the subject once the documentary has left?
Balance between right to know and privacy?
Consent must be given but who owns the rights to the images?
