Documentaries

There are 6 types of documentary which are as follows:

1. Poetic
2. Expository
3. Observational
4. Participatory
5. Reflexive
6. Performative

 

Expository Documentaries:

• Voiceover which addresses the audience directly (acts as a commentator) – usually a male who has an authoritative voice (voice of God) and may be an expert in the relevant topic of the documentary
• Images are used to reinforce the voiceover and advance the argument that has been put forward
• Editing is used for continuity to link the images together which support the voiceover furthermore
• Attempts to persuade the audience of a particular point of view

Observational Documentaries:

• Hand-held cameras are mostly used
• Least amount of intervention from documentary makers
• No voiceovers are used – it is presented in its ‘purest’ form
• The subject pretend as if they are not being filmed

Reflexive Documentaries:

• Borrows techniques from fiction film for an emotional, subjective response
• Voiceover (if there is one present) will sound questioning and maybe a little uncertain
• Relies more on suggestion rather than facts
• Emphasises the expressive nature of the film
• Makes the audience question the reality of documentary