Documentary Notes Flashcards
5 different types of documentary film:
Expository, observational, interactive, reflexive, performative
Expository documentary features?
The voice over (often referred to as ?commentary) addresses the spectator?
, offering a series of? The voiceover either provides? Or?
The aim of the expository documentary is to be?or? Expository documentary is the ‘?’ mode of documentary, which is now more commonly used in TV documentaries, where ? information is conveyed via the?. The overall effect of the expository documentary is? , of?
Bodiless and reliable voice over combined with images that aim to be descriptive/informative.
Voice-of-God, directly, facts or arguments that are illustrated by the image track, abstract information that the image cannot carry, or comments on those actions and events in the image that are unfamiliar, or require explanation for the audience.
descriptive and informative, to provide a particular argument.
classic, abstract, voice over commentary, non bias, direct and transparent representation
Observational documentary
characterised by the ?non-intervention of the film-maker in the filmed events. The observational mode is more notable for what it? : there is?The emphasis is to present a ?, or? The observational documentary film-maker therefore aims to simply? For this reason, emphasis is placed on ? This why observational documentary is called ?
In technical terms, observational documentary on occasions uses? Sound is? and was? The observational mode ? and establishes a? The observational documentary is therefore attempting to ?; that what is filmed is a ? record of what took place in front of the camera. In other words, it is meant to be ?
non-intervention of the film-maker in the filmed events. The observational mode is more notable for what it does not contain: there is no voice of God commentary, no intertitles, no archive footage and no interviews, no non diegetic music . The emphasis is to present a slice of life, or direct representation of the filmed events. The observational documentary film-maker therefore aims to simply observe unfolding events. For this reason, emphasis is placed on recording events as they unfold in real time. This why observational documentary is also called Direct Cinema.
In technical terms, the observational documentary tends on occasions to use long takes. Sound is also direct and was simply recorded while the camera was rolling. The observational mode initiates an ‘close’ relation to the filmed events and initiates a sense of place by refusing to manipulate or distort the events. The observational documentary is therefore attempting to persuade the viewer that the film is an accurate slice of life; that what is filmed is a transparent record of what took place in front of the camera. In other words, it is meant to be neutral and non-judgemental.
Interactive documentary: the ‘fly on the wall’ observational documentary attempts to?, the interactive documentary however makes the film-maker’s presence? , as he/she ?being filmed. The content of the interactive documentary is based mainly on? which? from those filmed. An interactive documentary that is well made will?, and the film-maker may juxtapose one opinion with a contrary opinion, therefore offering the viewer a ? view.
Sometimes the film-maker is the?, which may serve to? This can be compared to the ?, in which the? holds the film together, and the observational documentary where the events themselves have to ?, with a little help from the ?who ?
There are a number of ways in which the film-maker may interact with the people he/she is filming. The film-maker may ? and will, formally or informally? ask the interviewee? questions. Or the film-maker may remain?, in which case we ? All we see is the interviewee ?
Interactive documentaries show the process of ? taking place. Unlike? or documentaries, the interactive documentary shows the process by which it is ? Bill Nichols writes?
Whereas the ‘fly on the wall’ observational documentary attempts to hide the presence of the film-maker from the viewer, the interactive documentary makes the film-maker’s presence important, as he/she interacts with the people or events being filmed. The content of the interactive documentary is based mainly on interviews, which draw out specific comments and responses from those who are filmed. An interactive documentary that is well made will allow the filmed people to express their opinions and views, and the film-maker may juxtapose one opinion with a contrary opinion, therefore offering the viewer a balanced view.
Sometimes the film-maker is the main person on screen, which may serve to hold the documentary together. This can be compared to the expository documentary, in which the disembodied voice of the narrator holds the film together, and the observational documentary where the events themselves have to hold the film together, with a little help from the film-maker who edits the shots and scenes together.
There are a number of ways in which the film-maker may interact with the people he/she is filming. The film-maker may appear on screen and will, formally or informally, ask the interviewee questions. Or the film-maker may remain off-screen, in which case we may or may not hear the questions. All we see is the interviewee addressing answers to someone just beyond the frame.
Interactive documentaries show the process of interaction taking place. Unlike expository or observational documentaries, the interactive documentary show the process by which it is made. Bill Nichols writes: “Interactive documentary…arose from…the desire to make the film-maker’s perspective more clear. Interview styles and interventionist tactics arose, allowing the film-maker to participate more actively in present events.”
- Reflexive documentary
The reflexive documentary attempts to expose the? Rather than focus on the ? the reflexive documentary focuses on how ? The effect is that the reflexive documentary challenges?
- Reflexive documentary
The reflexive documentary attempts to expose to the viewer the conventions of documentary representation. Rather than focus on the events and people filmed, the reflexive documentary focuses on how they are filmed. The effect is that the reflexive documentary challenges the documentary’s clear ability to reveal the truth.
Performative documentary?
Performative documentary ?and towards? The performative documentary ?. It aims to represent the world?.
The performative documentary evokes the ? It aims to ?present its subject matter in a? The result is that the subject matter is ? But, at the same time, we have to ask ourselves whether the events become ?
Performative documentary
Performative documentary deflects attention away from the world and towards the expressive and poetic dimensions of film. The performative documentary does not capture the world in the same way as the other forms of documentary. It aims to represent the world indirectly.
The performative documentary evokes the mood or atmosphere traditionally found in fiction films. It aims to present its subject matter in a personal , expressive, stylised,powerful and emotional manner. The result is that the subject matter is expressed in a graphic way that encourages the viewer to experience and feel them. But, at the same time, we have to ask ourselves whether the events become distorted as a result of the way they are represented.
