STYLES AND MODES OF DOCUMENTARY

Film theorist Bill Nichols  identified six modes ( or styles ) of documentary that documentary makers used as ways of storytelling and addressing "the truth and the "reality " of their topics.


Expository

Documentaries often feature an authoritative voice-over and convey a clear point of view. e.g March of the Penguins  

Participatory

Direct engagement between the filmmaker and the subject. Frequently you see the filmmaker in shots asking questions and expressing their perspective. e.g  Bowling for Columbine

Poetic

Often non-linear with not clear narrative but a juxtaposition of images and sound to create mood and ultimately convey the filmmaker’s message in an abstract way.  e.g Our Daily Bread

Observational 

Changes in digital technology and the rise of smaller cameras and crews have allowed this mode to develop, where the aim is to record subjects and people without the filmmaker directly or excessively  intervening or intruding   e.g Divorce : Iranian Style  


Performative

A documentary that is very personal and often focuses upon a subjective truth significant to the filmmaker themselves. e.g Tongues Untied 

Reflexive

Arriving in the ‘80s the reflexive or postmodern documentary drew attention to its own construction and often the narrative structure included its own creation, or the concept of a film within a film. e.g  the work of Louis Thereoux

Some filmmakers use a combination of these modes and these categories are not fixed or rigid but a starting point for looking at their work.

LINK TO ARTICLE ABOUT MODES OF DOCUMENTARY