Modes of Documentary

Reflexive:
-The film maker is in front of the camera (film maker ecknowledges their presece)
-It shows behind the scenes footage. For example; Jamie Ovliver's shows.
-Voiceover, not authoritative - usually questioning and uncertain.
-It aids the audience in the understanding of construction in the film, developing a critical attitude from them.
-Uses techniques from fiction film, to create emotional responses.
-Usually relies on suggestion and implied meaning instead of facts.
-Emphasises the expresive nature of a film - for example; expressive lighting, dramatic music, re-enactments.
'Driving Me Crazy' by Nick Broomfield is an example of a reflexive documentary.

Poetic:
-Little narration
-mood or tone created by music
-Usually artistic
-Doesn't tend to exaggerate
-The events can be under developed and situations unsolved.
'Take That: The Official Documentary' is an example of a poetic documentary.

Observational:
-The camera follows the person as the events unfold-watch it as it happens  
-Light equipment is used, i.e; hand held cameras suitable for following the events
-Hand held camera is used for location shots
-No interviews included
-No voiceover
-Synchronous sound incorporated
-Usually this mode of documentary is used for war documentaries- following the person and seeing the events unfold
-Long takes used.
'March Of The Penguins' is an example of an observational documentary.

Expository:
-Trying to prove a point-biast 
-Voiceover - addresses the audience directly
-Images used to illustrate the voiceover
-Contains retorical content
-The voiceover is either a 'voice of god' (heard but not seen) or a 'voice of authority (seen and heard)
-Editing - used to create continuity
-A variety of footage, stills and interviews, also archive material is used.
'The World at War' is an example of an expository documentary. 

Participatory:
-The film maker becomes part of the events - direct engagement
-The film maker becomes a character
-Use of archive material, i.e news footage and headlines
-Hand held camera used for location shots
-Many interviews incorporated but mainly informal.
'When we Were Kings' is an example of a participatory documentary.