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Documentary Modes and Techniques

Documentary modes
Modes are methods that documentaries use to convey messages. In Behind the hue the
documentary uses reflexive mode. In this mode, the film maker is also seen by the audience. It
usually films real life things. As such, there is often no use of special effects or even editing. In
general, this mode is good for documentaries because it allows audiences to understand the
issues the documentary maker may be having during its filming (Nichols, 2017). In the Behind
the hue documentary, the reflexive mode is particularly good because it engages viewers in the
creative process of making the documentary. At the end of the documentary, viewers get to
understand what goes into making a hue.
In the second documentary, Water, the mode used is poetic. It is loose with narrative and
abstract. It is generally good because of its ability to generate feelings in the audience instead of
just telling the truth (Nichols, 2017). In the Water documentary, this mode is particularly good
because of the emotions it generates about water using blue color, the majestic flow of water in a
river, and the droplets of water observed at the beginning and end of the documentary.
Documentary techniques
Documentary films use a variety of techniques to achieve aims such as conveying
opinions, informing viewers, and recording specific events and ideas. In the first documentary,
Behind the hue, the technique used is actuality. This is the use of raw film footage of real people,
places, and events (Nichols, 2017). In general, this technique gives the documentaries a greater
level of authenticity. In Behind the hue, actuality makes the film appear real and true. In the
second documentary, Water, the main technique used is montage. In general, montage is used to

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create powerful symbolism in documentaries (Nichols, 2017). In Water, montage is used to
capture the attention of the audience throughout the film through the use of special effects and
short shots.

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References

Nichols, B. (2017). Introduction to documentary. Indiana University Press.