Post 6 - Criticisms of Theorys
Post 6 - Criticisms of Theorys
Post 6 - Criticisms of Theorys
Bill Nichols (2001) created a theory called modes of documentary. This included 6 different types
of documentaries:
- Poetic mode
- Expository mode
- Reflexive mode
- Observational mode
- Participatory mode
- Performative mode
Bill Nichols (2001) himself states that there arent just 6 types of documentaries, but it is a
starting point. They can serve valuably as a catalyst to reflect on the documentary genre.
There are many different elements to documentaries so Nichols tried to categorise them
together.
STELLA BRUZZIS CRITICIZM
Stella Bruzzi criticised Nichols for suggesting that documentary makes
have aimed for the perfect representation of the real but would
never achieve this as it is an impossible aim. As Nichols created his
theory in 2001, at lot has evolved and changed since then in the
industry, especially technology.
So how can we still use just 6 modes?
Anyone can make a documentary these days with a basic camera and
not a lot of skill either.
Also bill Nichols modes also do is exclude some classes of people
which also limits target audiences as well.
JOHN GRIERSON (1930)
John Grierson states You photograph the natural life, but you also, by your
juxtaposition of detail, create an interpretation of it.
- He came up with the documentary theory the creativity of actuality.
- Griersons documentary's have been based on facts so people wonder how
much creativity should be allowed in a documentary
TONI DE BROMHEAD
Steven Barret has a theory about television and its needs to broadcast things that get
ratings instead of serious documentaries and to also inform and teach the public
about major events in history and the future. He believes that documentaries have
been dumbed down for audiences since this is what people have become used to.
There are claims that show that television seems to be cheap and being more
concerned about getting ratings instead of showing useful and interesting
documentaries.