Documentary Flashcards
Poetic Documentary
Non linear, lacking clear narrative. They rely on juxtaposition of images and sound to create a mood or tone.
Expository
Documentaries with a clear authorative narration with an educational aim.
Participatory
The filmmaker is frequently appearing on screen and has a relationship with the subjects, Nick Broomfield and Micheal Moore are known for this.
Observational
Took advantages of smaller cameras, tried to have as little intrusion and intervention as possible on the subject.
Reflexive
Prompts the audience to “question the authenticity of documentary in general” - Bill Nichols. Focus on the process of making the film, how and why they are constructed.
Performative
Personal and focused on subjective ideas of truth. This is the opposite of the Objective mode, emphasising the filmmaker and their camera.
Micheal Moore
One of the best known filmmakers, uses performative documentary style. His films are driven by his own emotion and anger about the institution he is targeting. He appears as an every-man American. Is a voice for the American left.
Differences between Polley and Moore
Polley invites people to tell their stories while Moore tries to get the answers he wants.
Polley and Moore both use personal emotions but she doesn’t use her anger to form an agenda.
Moore films are expository but Polley’s aren’t.
Similarities between Polley and Moore
Both are participatory and performative filmmakers
Longinotto
A British filmmaker who makes film that highlight the plight of female victims of oppression and discrimination. She is an observational filmmaker. She uses long takes. She doesn’t like to manipulate audiences and avoids narrative closure unlike Polley.
Broomfield
Similar to Michael Moore, a participatory, performative mode of filmmaking. He’s an investigative documenatarist, he keeps the filmmaking presence to a minimum.
