2. Reflexive Reflexivedocumentaries are when the film maker acknowledges 'their presence' and so are in front of the camera and give narratives throughout. Typical conventions: Documentary maker’s presence is seen Re-enactments are often used as is dramatic music Suggestive meanings and conclusions – not necessarily fact Voiceovers are suggestive
3. Examples of Reflexive documentaries Louis Theroux's series of 'Law and Disorder in Philadelphia' in which you can clearly see him being followed by the film crew and interviewing/narrating throughout. Fearne Cotton’s series of ‘When Fearne Met...’ where Fearne meets different celebrities and follows them on their day to day lives.
4. Observational Observational documentaries follow a person or event following their journey as an important event occurs. Typical Conventions: Filmed on-location (hand-held camera) Direct sound recording (synchronous) Documentary maker cannot be seen Participants show no acknowledgment of being filmed Shots are lengthy as camera is constantly recording
5. Examples of Observational Documentaries Extraordinary people which follows people with strange features such as ‘Hayley: The 96 year old school girl’ Cutting Edge: My New Brain Octomum which follows the mum who gave birth to 8 children 16 and Pregnant
6. Expository Expository documentaries are an analysis and exposition of a person or topic. Typical Conventions: Voiceovers talk directly to audience 'Voice of God' is used (when the commentator can be heard by not seen) 'Voice of Authority' is used (when the commentator can be heard and seen) Images are used alongside the voiceovers Different media is used to support the arguments – interviews, images
7. Examples of expository documentaries: Michael Moore is a well known expository documentary maker with his most famous being Fahrenheit 9/11 and Capitalism: A Love Story
8. Poetic Poetic documentaries are normally about topics which focus on human interests rather than current affairs. Typical Conventions: Focus on human interest Un-related shots are often used and edited together Documentary maker gives subjective view
9. Examples of poetic documentaries The girl with 10 limbs My girl has two heads
10. Participatory In Participatory documentaries the film-maker actively engages with the situation they are documenting, and often use and rely on witnesses of events. Typical Conventions: Documenter and film crew interact with subject Hand held camera – on location and so synchronous sound recording Lots of interviews used – however tend to be informal Different types of media are used such as pictures, news headlines, letters etc. Uses voiceovers
