Modes of Documentaries

A documentary is a film, television or radio programme that provides a factual report

Expository
on a particular subject Google.
Poetic
Observational
They document reality by presenting fact/statistics and consist of narrators who carry us
Reflexive
through with a voiceover followed by vital information, expert/population interviews and
Participatory
real-life scenarios which fit within.
Performative
Expository What the Majority Agrees With
The most well-known mode which audiences are familiar with. They are typical types of documentaries which are researched in major detail and are often
referred to as essay films are their target is to educate and explain ideas in greater detail to their audiences. They mainly review events, issues, ways of
life, worlds and exotic settings we know little about.

Poetic Lets Audience Think Whatever They Like

Documentaries which are produced using the poetic mode are usually targeted to create an opinion rather than arguing the subject of the documentary.
Filmmakers working in the poetic mode typically highlight cinematic standards over content to create visual poetry.

Observational Present Reality as Accurate as Possible

This mode is objective. It attempts to capture (as accurately as possible) objective reality with the film maker as a neutral observer. They use the fly on
the wall technique. The film maker remains hidden and they do not change or influence the actions/events that are being captured.

Reflexive Makes the Audience Aware/Breaking the Fourth Wall

Acknowledges the constructed nature of the documentary and flaunts it. They convey to people that this is not necessarily the truth but a reconstruction
of it. The general concept can come across as being very cheesy as the film maker is talking to its audience, (e.g. follow me, Im up here.) The audience
are made aware of what is happening.

Participatory Film Maker is Involved with the Subjects

It welcomes direct engagement between the film maker and the subject within. The film maker becomes a part of the events that are occurring. He/she
also impacts the events that are taking place and is acknowledged.

Performative Film Maker Involves Themselves in an Experiment

Emphasizes the subjective nature of the documentarian as well as acknowledging the subjective reading of the audience evocation and affect. It also
emphasizes the emotional and social impact it has upon its audience.