1. Expository Mode of
Documentary
Aims: To learn the conventions associated to this mode of documentary
filmmaking
Objectives: Discover whether these coventions apply to a text shown
today and in the next lesson and discuss what ethical issues can be taken
from this
2. Expository Documentary
Can you remember what this style of
documentary is?
‘The expository mode of documentary addresses the
viewer directly’
(Bill Nichols)
3. ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ (2006) Dir. Davis Guggenheim
Facts
Al Gore
Former US Vice-
President to Bill
Clinton
-Presented by Gore through a lecture
and some impressive visuals and
resources
- Won 2 Oscars*
4. ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ (2006) Presented by Al Gore
“The emphasis may shift from convincing the audience of a particular point
of view or approach to a problem, to the representation of a personal, clearly
subjective view of things” Bill Nichols
5. Task
• For the remainder of this lesson and next lesson, use the
A3 analysis sheet provided to determine the following:
- Presence of Al Gore
- Interaction between filmmaker and subject (Participatory)
- Gore’s commitment to entertain and educate – What
ethical issues are there with this way of documenting the
demise of the planet?
- Significance of images and reliance on resources to state
his (Gore’s) case
- Social and Political impact (Performative)
6. Cover lesson Questions
- What impact does the presence of Al Gore have on this
documentary (verbally and visually)?
- Gore’s commitment to entertain and educate – What
ethical issues are there with this way of documenting the
demise of the planet? Is he “attacking” anyone in
particular
• “Social issue documentaries take up public issues
from a social perspective. Individuals recruited to
the film illustrate or provide perspective on the
issue” Bill Nichols (Page 163)
- Does the statement apply to this documentary?
- Was Al Gore “recruited” for this documentary or does he
show passion towards the subject matter
