WEEK RECAP

So this is just a recap of the week and some of the pointers learnt and discussed through lectures and talks. Our lecture began on Tuesday and this was discussing 'Vision, Surveillance, knowledge and power.' Part of our theory which is Cultures of convergence. We conversed with many ideas relating to this subject, such as ideas of Utilitarian, Ocularcentrism, movement and voyeurism. Even studying examples such as Bentham's Panopticon prison as a form of visual control over a large radius. This then progressed to the famous '1984.' George Orwell novel and ideas of Totalitarianism and the formation of ideas of having the 'Big Brother.' (Not the show widely known, but this was also a form of control we discussed as an example to totalitarianism.) 

It was then up to us to speculate about the ideas proposed to us and converse with our groups about the many ways this could be interpreted and even our understanding, could be developed through group opinions. 

I did find the conversations informative and it did land perspective on ways I as an individual could translate this knowledge into my own work. As we went on we viewed an artist recommended to us by a fellow colleague of ours called 'How not to be seen.' By Hito Steyeri as my tutor put it; being an excellent counterpart to the lecture previously. I did find the concept interesting. This rebellion against a global power was intriguing and at times confusing but it landed perspective on how we as a generation commit ourselves to this virtual world, it is perhaps seen as an Eden. Escapism in some aspects from a world we're not happy in or feel overwhelmed with. Although this short film by Steyeri tells us we can leave it behind. Steyeri is clever to insinuate through to the end you cannot leave completely. That a part of you still exists within the system, a series of data trails to your history so it's almost saying we are trapped. We cannot leave. But, we can hide. 

The next week coming up would be dedicated to viewing exhibitions happening in London, gathering research and references to contribute to my studies and inspire me to produce content relatable and also appropriately challenging my theme for both my theory of cultures of convergence and also presenting an opportunity for my short film piece. 

SIX MODES OF DOCUMENTARY

Nichols Six Modes of Documentary

During this workshop we discussed the various modes of documentary and were set into groups as part of a task to research and analyse film documentaries. Here are six modes of documentary.

What are the Six Modes of Documentary?

The theory was first pioneered by Bill Nichols who is known as the founder for the study of the documentary film. Within the theory are six sub genres of documentary film that filmmakers can use to convey the truth within their area of exploration. These six modes are poetic, expository, participatory, observational, reflexive, and performative.

Poetic Documentary 
This form of documentary drifts away from continuity editing and tells the truth by arranging clips into a specific order, with the intent on evoking emotions through the use of juxtaposition, tone and rhythm.

                                       Samsara by Ron Fricke, August 2012.







Expository Documentary
The expository documentary tells the audience a specific point of view, using footage to support this. Usually an authoritative voice over will be used.

                               March of the Penguins by Luc Jacquet, December 2005.








Participatory Documentary
This mode of documentary tells the truth through first person accounts, often in the form of an interview. The subjects are invited to 'participate' and give their opinions on film.

                              The Thin Blue Line by Errol Morris, August 1988.







Performative Documentary
These forms of documentaries are much more personal and put emphasis on expressing a truth that is subjective to the audience. They might include hypothetical enactments of events in order to give the audience the chance to see the subject from anothers point of view. Sometimes using past events to compare against an idea that the filmmaker is intending to portray.

                                 Tongues Untied by Marlon Riggs, July 1989.







Observational Documentary
Footage is taken as a bystander of the subject without the filmmaker interfering. Essentially the filmmaker invites the audience to observe the subject and allow them to see the truth for themselves.

                           Tarnation by Jonathan Caouette, May 2005.








Out of all the documentaries studied and analysed within the workshop, I was particularly intrigued by Tarnation because I felt that the clip we saw had a powerful emotional impact upon its audience. It compelled me to watch the rest of the film which further inspired me to explore Jonathan Caouette' interpretation of the Observational Form in my own work.

                                                                    Scene from Tarnation, 2005 


Reflexive Documentary
This form of documentary shows the audience the subjects behind the camera, often the filmmakers themselves, as well as what is in front of it. Thus allowing the filmmaker to reflect his ideas about the subject back upon the audience. A good way to capture the true emotions evoked by the subject at the exact moment of filming.

As part of our group we were asked to look at reflexive documentary through the film 'Stories We Tell' by Sarah Polley. I found the techniques used by Polley to be very effective at inciting thoughtfulness upon to its audience. The form of documentary used fitted perfectly with the subject being explored. The reflective accounts created a powerful, intimate and emotional piece that may not have been achievable if it had been shot using a different mode other than reflective.

                         Stories We Tell by Sarah Polley, June 2013.







  

                               

                                Thank you for reading and please leave a comment below.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Samsara-

http://filmtrailer.hu/wp-content/uploads/Samsara_DVD.jpg

The March of The Penguins- 

https://filmefuerdieerde.org/files/cover_marchofthepenguins.png

The Thin Blue Line-

http://www.altfg.com/film/wp-content/uploads/images/thin-blue-line-dvd.jpg

Tongues Untied-

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41iSMfMRqYL.jpg

Tarnation- 

http://www.newyorkerfilms.com/administrator/movie_posters/1312223529Tarnation_Poster_1.jpg

Stories we Tell-

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/db/Stories_We_Tell_poster.jpg/220px-Stories_We_Tell_poster.jpg