Modes Of Documentary Essay

Modes of Documentary
A documentary is a film that makes a claim based on empirical evidence. There are four main ways of making films or documentaries. The modes changed and developed due to technological advancements. Filmmakers also wanted the youth to associate with films instead of books.
Expository mode: its sole purpose is to describe or explain the meaning of something; it makes a lot of emphasis on the argumentative logic and verbal commentary. This method involves the use of background music and narration (commonly known as the ‘Voice of God’). The filmmaker decides the shots before taking them. Examples include ‘Land Without Bread,’ and ‘Know Your Enemy.’ This genre was popular from 1920 to the period of World War II.
Participatory/Interactive mode: this mode of filmmaking emphasizes the interaction between the subject and the filmmaker. The narrator is visible to the audience, and the people in the film know that they are being recorded (Study Guide 4). The interactive genre became popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Examples of films are ‘Harvest of Shame’ and ‘Rodger and Me.’
Oral Histories: the truth claim revolves around people and found footage is mostly utilized. They became popular in the 1970s and 1980s (Study Guide 12). ‘Union Maids’ is a film in this mode.
Reflexive Mode: The filmmaker

“Man on Wire” incorporates emotional music throughout the film. The setting of the documentary in the USA. “Hearts and Minds” uses varying music and involves interviews with American and Vietnamese citizens as well as army generals. The documentary is therefore shot in both USA and Vietnam. The authenticity of the re-enactments in “Man on Wire” can be questioned by the viewers. “Hearts and Minds” does not incorporate re-enactments that might be subject to doubt by the viewers; it uses actual footage from the Vietnamese war and political speeches by various