expository mode case study

Write a definition of the expository mode of documentary filmmaking

Expository documentary is a mode of documentary which focuses on social problems within the world. It emphasises rhetorical content.

Expository mode explores documentaries which include factual information and figures, having interviews to back up the topic.

Expository documentary mode is the category in which most documentaries would fall into. Expository documentary mode gives the narrator the role to explain or argue the film's rhetorical content. Stories and statements are given through voiceover with images to illustrate the tone of the film.

6 Modes of Documentary. Expository Mode

This tends to be the mode most familiar to us. It is frequently used in nature and TV documentaries. Expository documentaries use the ‘voice of God’ narration where by the author provides a scripted commentary to accompany or illustrate visuals. They are sometimes referred to as essays films because their primary aim is to educate their audience and explain their subject. This mode is famously seen in documentaries narrated by David Attenborough where they will ‘assume a logical argument’, informing the audience of what they are seeing on screen. Expository documentaries will be heavily researched focusing on facts rather than opinion or emotion. That is not to say that these sorts of documentaries cannot purge emotion or shape opinions. They may talk about controversial subjects, however there aim is to inform objectively and supply evidence.

 Find your own example of a participatory style documentary film/programme

Blue Planet II: The Prequel  Duration: 5m5sec.         Languages: English

Write about the techniques used and how they create meaning for audience

In the beginning of the documentary, there is slow melancholic music in the background, this shows harmony with the video of the animals, as they look like they are moving with the beat of the music. 

Then 25 seconds into the documentary, the voice over of David Attenborough speaks about the fishes and explaining it with adjectives, similes and metaphors to engage the audience and speaks directly to them. 

The sound effects change throughout the clip, as when there are big animals such as a whale the music gets dramatic, soon later, the voice over of Attenborough stops and there is a sound transition from melancholic music to voice over, to soul and meaningful music, to engage the audience to feel like they are there seeing the view and animals. There is also slow motion when it transitions from animals this is to show the effect and beauty of the animals to the audience. Therefore, the camera angles are important varying from close ups to a wide shot to show the difference in animal size and surroundings (establishing shot). This clip soon ends with dramatic orchestra and melancholic music to end the documentary to portray an important message about the different types of environmental and ocean aspects there is. 

The reason for the music, after voice overs from Attenborough is to show the importance of wildlife and oceans and for the audience to not be bored of his voice and be intrigued with the images and music helps enhance this.