Types of Documentary
The primary function of
a documentary is to document reality for the purpose of
entertainment, enlightenment and to maintain a historical record.
Because they are filmed without actors or scripted responses,
succinct editing is essential for a documentary to portray its
message or subject. The word documentary is an umbrella term and can
be used to classify a broad range of films, some of the specific
categories are as follows:
Expository:
uses text commentary
or voice over to speak directly to the viewer, offering a strong
stand point on a particular topic. Expository documentaries tend to
persuade the viewer to see a particular viewpoint through a certain
bias
Participatory:
Film-makers
of this sub genre tend to alter events and footage during the filming
process, this allows them to manipulate the subject into being viewed
in a particular way by the viewer.
Poetic:
As a posed to the the continuity and coherence modern day editing
provides, this early form of documentary placed images in patterns of
association. This gave the impression of fiction, despite being
based on actual events.
Observational:
Observational
documentaries attempt to not interfere with their subject at all in
order to achieve a true to life portrayal of events. Observational
films tend to provide the viewer with a topic and allow them to form
their own opinion on the matter by remaining unbiased.
Reflective:
These
provide multiple representations and views of events, providing a
broad picture.
Performative:
A
sub-genre that lends itself to minority groups through its in depth
explorations of sensitive subject matter.
