Documentary Modes

Bill Nichols stated that there were 6 modes of documentary address that all documentaries can fit into. The first mode is poetic mode where the filmmaker represents reality in an artistic way. The filmmaker does this by using visual associations with rhythmic qualities. Expository mode, also known as voice of God, is the second mode. The premise of this form is that the voice over can appear to judge the actions of the subject without being caught up in them. This mode focuses mainly on objectivity and well supported arguments. The third mode is Participatory mode where the host interacts with the subject through interviews, conversations and provocations. Perhaps the best examples of this are Stacey Dooley and Louis Theroux. The fourth mode is Observational mode which is essentially a window into the world. The host of this documentary form will observe what is happening in front of an unobtrusive camera. Reflexive mode is the fifth mode where the filmmaker engages with the audience and discusses the problems and issues that have arisen. The final mode is Performative mode which rejects objectivity in favour of emotion. The filmmaker will add emphasis to subjective qualities in order to increase the audience's response to the subject.