2. Bill Nichols: Modes
It can be difficult to distinguish between
different modes due to overlaps.
Some documentaries have more than one
mode.
There are two groups in which the modes
can be placed in:
Group A: Expository, Observational
Group B: Participatory, Reflexive,
Performative
3. Modes
Our documentary appears to fit into Group A as we plan
for it to reveal the ‘world of happiness’ and make direct
reference to the real world.
Furthermore, the filmmaker’s presence is hidden.
The ‘Voice of God’ commentary style is the one associated
with Group A modes, and this is a type of commentary we
are considering for our production.
Group B focuses more on the foregrounding the film
maker and shifts the emphasis to the audience’s
interpretation.
In a sense this is similar to a news broadcast with
interviews.
Although we aim to allow the audience to have free
4. The use of modes
One way to use the modes of representation
is to discuss the ways in which they develop
out of the documentary-maker’s need to
participate fully in the film making process.
It has many implications for the idea of
documentary as objective or truthful.
