Documentary Modes Poetic Documentary Continuity editing is not

Documentary Modes

Poetic Documentary • Continuity editing is not used, which means that a sense of specific location is lost. • Emphasis of visual association, tone or rhythm - Images are juxtaposed to create meaning – Kuloshov effect. • Descriptive passages are often used. • Actors often don’t become full characters. • Demonstrates different possibilities in the transfer of knowledge. • However, there is a lack of specificity in poetic documentaries. • Examples of Poetic documentary makers : Ivens, Bunuel and Dali, Fischinger, Menken, Flaherty. • Example: Man of Aran (Flaherty, 1934)

Joris Ivens Robert Flaherty Man of Aran (Flaherty, 1934)

Interactive / Participatory Documentary • How it came to be: When more mobile equipment was available, filmmakers could make their perspective more evident – they become part of the events recorded. • This mode engages with individuals more directly whilst not using exposition interview styles. • Archive footage is often used to avoid re-enactments / staging and ‘voice of God’ commentaries. • However, it relies a lot on history and can be too intrusive in it methods. • Examples of directors: Rouch, de Antonio, Connie Field, Michael Moore, Broomfield. • Example: Kurt and Courtney (Broomfield, 1988)

Connie Field Michael Moore Kurt and Courtney (Broomfield, 1988)