In 2001 Bill Nichols changed the way Documentary was defined. These newly introduced terms became key to the way Film-makers worked and how audiences read docs. Bill Nichols introduced 5 modes to documentary shooting, The poetic mode, Reflexive mode, participatory mode, Expository mode, Observational mode and Performative mode. These modes work to create a framework for the Director to use and communicate their intentions to the audience. Often Documentaries can combine these different modes to create hybrids. A film that has used a participatory angle can also use the poetic angle to make the audience connect with the subject.
Understanding the modes enables the Director to communicate his message to the Audience. We will now discuss the different modes in more detail.
The Poetic Mode
The Poetic mode tends to focus on the subjective representation of a subject or primaries. Imagery is a powerful medium here as it allows the director to set the mood and tone of the documentary. Audio,Stills and Film can be used to artistically manipulate meaning. Koyannisquatsi is a good example of how the poetic mode can be used to represent meaning. Powerful imagery and a dynamic soundscape makes the viewer open to interpretation. This mode is great for character building and audience relativity, “The Soldiers Boy” uses the poetic mode to make the audience sympathise with the characters in the film.
The Reflexive Mode
The Reflexive mode acts in a more constructed manner by recreating a depiction of the truth. Often re-enactments are based on some truth but the believability is challenged due to it’s scripted nature
Expository- This style is used to form some sort of argument, often rely’s on photographs and evidence to back up it’s claims.
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