The document summarizes 5 common documentary modes: 1) The poetic mode uses subjective techniques to create a particular mood through undeveloped characters and events. 2) The expository mode establishes an objective, explanatory voice over footage to persuade viewers. 3) The observational mode allows viewers to interact naturally with the documentary through no voiceovers. 4) The participatory mode features formal interviews where directors interact with subjects. 5) The reflexive mode shows expressive, anti-realist techniques to interact with audiences emotionally and directly.

1. Task 4A
Documentary
Modes
By Samantha Tenwick

2. Modes
Mode Examples Conventions
JorisIvens’ Rain (1928), White, Grey The poetic mode of documentary is normally
The Poetic (1930). subjective. (understanding of its subject(s) The
poetic mode traditionally arenarrative content:
individual characters and events remain
undeveloped this help to creating a particular
mood or tone.
Robert Hughes’ The Shock of the New Initially establishing as an omnipresent, omniscient,
The Expository (1980),John Berger’s Ways Of Seeing and objective voice intoned over footage when
(1974). speaking directly to viewer, narration holds the
weight of explaining and arguing a documentaries
to persuade the viewer.
Gilles Groulx and Michel Brault’sLes Allows you to know what is going on in the
The Observational Racquetteurs (1958), Albert & David documentary, helps viewer to interact with it and
Mode Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin'sGimme relate to the events. No voiceovers, the filming
in its natural form.
Shelter (1970)
Vertov’sThe Man with a Movie Camera Documentary directors interact with the subject.
The Participatory (1929),Rouch and Morin’s Chronicle of a Formal interviews are used.
Summer (1960);
Buñuel's Land Without Bread; Trinh T. Shows the expressive anti-realist techniques, for
The Reflexive Minh-ha’s Surname Viet Given Name Nam example dramatic music.
(1989)
Alain Resnais’ Night And Fog (1955), Interacts with the audience in a emotional and
The Performative Peter Forgacs’ Free Fall (1988) direct way. Documentary crew cooperate with
the subject. Normally formed into the narrative of
an investigation.