Conventions of a Documentary

The purpose of a documentary is to present information about a factual, central topic. Different documentaries will have different aims according to their purpose. They will usually create and convey a certain issue or opinion and illustrate two sides of an argument which creates public interest.

Actuality is real film or photographic footage of events, people and places; this is opposed to fictional films which will be scripted and use actors. Most documentaries will use a mixture of actuality and staged scenes. An example of actuality would be in a documentary by David Attenborough, who films nature running its true course.

Actuality

The exposition often occurs at the beginning of the documentary and will introduce the themes of the film. It will usually explain the different arguments and have several montages of different shots to clarify the arguments and segmented points of view.

Exposition

A voiceover is commentary which is made by the film maker. A voiceover can be used during filming, or put over a soundtrack whilst the visuals commence. The voiceover adds to the argument and can offer opinions and provide information to help the audience understand what is happening. Someone who often uses voiceovers in their documentaries is Michael Moore and it is a consistent feature in his work.

Voiceover

Interviews are added to give and expert or public opinion on the matter. Expert interviews usually give trustworthy information or opinions and usually work closely to the topic of the documentary. Vox pop interviews (from the general public) give a broad and general view of the subject and usually create a relaxed view for the audience that helps them relate to the subject.

Interviews

This involves old footage or footage from previous events that gives us a point of view from historical terms and can also show a factual piece of information that has happened in the past. A documentary about war would often include archival footage of battlefields or life during the war as solid primary evidence.

Archival Footage

Reconstructions are artificially developed scenes which construct a real life event after it has happened. Reconstructions provide the audience with a sense of realism as usually there is no real evidence or footage from the event at the time. Often, documentaries that are based on heavy or sensitive subjects such as murder will use reconstructions as there is no real footage of the murder taking place.

Reconstructions

Heavily narrated Definite beginning, middle and end Strong focus on the conflict Include music and sound effects

General Conventions of a Documentary