In this article, we will cover the six documentary modes – or types of documentaries – you might encounter. The film documentary is a genre that typically involves filming an event and its aftermath. Since the invention of cinema, this genre has been around, but it has seen a surge in popularity over the last few decades.
History of Documentary Modes
In 1991, Bill Nichols, American film critic and theoretician, proposed six documentary modes. Each mode contained its own specific characteristics. They have their own goals and require their own distinct documentary techniques.
- Poetic
- Expository
- Reflexive
- Observational
- Performative
- Participatory
Let’s break them down individually!
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