Bill Nichols in 'Introduction to Documentary' notes the 6 types of modes of documentary as:
- Expository
- Poetic
- Observational
- Participatory
- Performative
- Reflexive
For example: 'Life In a Day' is one of my favourite documentaries - its mode is poetic with aspects of observation.
"Compiled from over 80,000 YouTube submissions by contributors in 192 countries, 'Life in a Day' presents a microcosmic view of our daily experiences as a global society."
There is no narration throughout the feature film which makes it an unconventional documentary.
This documentary is a mix between two types of documentary mode:
1. "Poetic" - 'the poetic mode of documentary moves away from the "objective" reality of a given situation or people to grasp at an inner "truth" that can only be grasped by poetical manipulation' states Nichols. 'Life in a Day' fits with this mode of documentary since the footage has been edited together to create a montage of many events happening in one day. The aim of the director was present a day in the life of our 'global society'.
2. "Observational" - described as a 'window on the world'. 'Attempts to capture objective reality with the filmmaker as a neutral observer'. The director/editor have no impact in the actual filming of the footage itself, since each clip was individually filmed by ordinary people of their daily life.
1. "Poetic" - 'the poetic mode of documentary moves away from the "objective" reality of a given situation or people to grasp at an inner "truth" that can only be grasped by poetical manipulation' states Nichols. 'Life in a Day' fits with this mode of documentary since the footage has been edited together to create a montage of many events happening in one day. The aim of the director was present a day in the life of our 'global society'.
2. "Observational" - described as a 'window on the world'. 'Attempts to capture objective reality with the filmmaker as a neutral observer'. The director/editor have no impact in the actual filming of the footage itself, since each clip was individually filmed by ordinary people of their daily life.
- The most famous example of poetic mode documentaries-
'Man of Aran' (1934) - dramatic framing of material presents mythic image of man in harmony with nature… no speech at all throughout documentary feature. Background music/ soundtrack fits with footage - harmonises
Dawn Porter's 'Super Slim Me'
- Main influence: Dawn Porter's documentary 'Super Slim Me' - relatable topic
- Therefore my documentary will be similar in terms of 'mode'
- Dawn often participates in her documentaries / is the main focus / part of the footage etc. therefore reflexive
- Aspects of expository - line of argument etc
- sometimes performative e.g. 'My Breasts Could Kill Me'
My own documentary will be a mix between expository (facts/line of argument) and reflexive (opinions/acknowledgement of filmmaker)
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