Documentary Formats: Findings'

There are several types of documentary formats. This is the way the documentary is set out and its features.  The documentaries I have been studying, fall into different categories.

Expository Documentary
This style of documentary typically has a voiceover or narration which directly addresses the audience to let them know what is happening. The documentary that falls into this category, is 'We are The Lambeth Boys'. This showed members of a London Youth Club, and follows them learning, working and doing activities. This is expository because at the beginning of each scene, there is a narration explaining to the audience what is happening.
Observational Documentary
This style of documentary, presents a slice of life however with no intervention of a filmmaker or director. It just shows things in a neutral way which allows the audience to feel how they wish. An example of this is 'High School', as this documentary just cut between scenes of what was going on in an American school. Without any narration, it allowed us to watch things how they happened and form our own opinion.
Interactive Documentary
This style of documentary, includes a lot of input from the filmmaker, whether this be through interview or just talking  with people. This kind of documentary normally involves manipulation of a certain point of view through editing, and there are more than likely going to be arguments as people involved have strong opinions on a subject. 'Louis and the Nazis' followed this format because Louis (the filmmaker) was in every scene, discovering the Nazi way of life and interviewing them. He also had strong opinions which lead to arguments between him and the other characters involved.
Reflexive Documentary
This style of documentary exposes aspects of everyday life however contains the filmmaker in the documentary. The documentary is more about them and the act of making the film. An example of a 'reflexive' documentary is 'Powwaqatsi', which followed different cultures.
Performative Documentary
This style of documentary, focuses more on presentation than content. A perfect example of this documentary format is 'The Thin Blue Line'. This is because there were plenty of flashbacks and re-enhancements played by actors and actresses