Film Form research

All the information was found on

http://www.meridianstories.com/media-resource-collection/creative-how-to-guides/six-principal-modes-of-documentary-filmmaking/

there are 6 main types of Documentary Forms, they are:

• Expository mode
• Observational mode
• Participatory mode
• Poetic mode
• Reflexive mode
• Performative mode

Expository mode

This mode is used to make an argument and is the mode that is associated with most documentaries. This type is often grounded by a series of assertions that are usually presented by and unseen voice over narrator and are backed up with evidence that usually comes from images.

Examples are:

history channel documentaries or any documentaries on PBS or any old theatrical documentaries like The River or Nanook of the North.

Observational mode

This is named after the fact that it uses unobstructive cameras to observe the everyday attitude/life of the subjects.

Participatory mode

This style is used to emphasize the interaction(s) between the subjects and the film maker, This can be shown by conversations / provocations or interviews, this style also includes historical archive footage. 

Examples are:

anything by Wernor Herzog, Errol Morris or Alex Gibney. Other examples include Man on a Wire, The Cave and Exit Through the Gift Shop.

Poetic mode

This is an abstract style of filming documentaries with an emphasis on tonal and or rhythmic qualities and visual imagery as well as description and form. They closely resemble experimental films.

Examples include:

General Order No. 9 and Night and Fog

Reflexive mode

This is more commonly referred to as 'mockumentary'. This style is used to mock the assumptions and conventions that are used to govern documentary film making. A mockumentary is a show that is done in a documentary style.

 Examples I would give would be The Muppets and Modern Family. Both are mockumentary's that are done in more of a observation mode but the characters talk directly to the camera in 'fly on the wall' documentary interviews.

Performative mode

This style is used to highlight the expressive or objective aspects of the film makers involvement. This style is used to highlight/heighten the Audiences responses to the subject, this style favours emotion and rejects objectivity.

Examples include:

Anything by Michael Moore. Other examples include films such as Waltz with Bashir, Tongues United, Chile Obstinate Memories and TV shows like Cops.

I would say that mine and Lucy's documentaries are a mix between observational mode and participatory mode.