Consider the film Stranger with a Camera. How does this film fit into Bill Nichols’ definition of the expository documentary mode? Compare it to other expository documentaries we’ve watched this semester. (This can include the clip from the Corporation or not). Last, discuss the five elements of rhetoric (invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery) in relation to Nichols’ idea of “voice” (pg. 77-93) vis-à-vis Stranger with a Camera.
Stranger with a Camera falls into Nichols’ definition of the expository documentary mode as expository mode emphasizes persuasion and rhetorical content. There is a strong narrative element in expository documentary, which certainly rings true in Stranger with a Camera, as the female narrator, director Elizabeth Barret, leads us along the footage and tells the story of the murder of Canadian filmmaker Hue O’Connor by Hobert Ison, with much information provided from her personal perspective. Also true of expository documentary, footage acts to strengthen the spoken narrative rather than being strictly aesthetic and subjective. The structure of expository documentary mirrors that of a well developed research paper in which every point is supported by evidence, and every point has a counterpoint, or as Nichols says images “illustrate, illuminate, evoke, or act as a counterpoint to what is said.” Stranger with a Camera does an excellent job of providing all sides of the story, with relatively little bias from the narrator.
The Corporation is another expositional documentary that I have seen multiple times in entirety. I think The Corporation provides an excellent alternative example of expositional documentary as it expresses a far more biased narrative voice. Although opinions are given both in favor and in judgement of big corporations, the voices in favor are far less powerful and the argument of the documentary is clearly against large corporations. This documentary has stronger use of rhetoric because of this bias. It is careful in the way is displays information, and does try to sway audiences to share the opinion of the filmmakers. Corporations are shown in an extremely negative light, whereas the shooter in Stranger with a Camera is not depicted as completely wrong, evil, or guilty. Because of this difference in narrative goals, the two documentaries show strong examples of the spectrum of expository filmmaking.
As mentioned before, rhetoric plays a strong role in expository filmmaking. These include invention (evidence supporting the narrative perspective), arrangement (organization of rhetoric), style (manner of communicating to audiences), memory (delivering the facts and depicting a historical story), and delivery (non-verbal understanding of narrative).
Considering these styles, Stranger with a Camera relies on testimonies from subjects for the invention of the narrative. It is arranged with equal arguments from both sides, complimented by the personal story of the director of the film. The style is neutral and unbiased, it is open to the interpretation of the audience with little motivation to sway the audience towards a specific belief. Memory of the events rely on testimonies of subjects as well as the personal memories of the filmmaker. The delivery throughout is understanding and non-aggressive. It complements the overall unbiased tone of the film.
The Corporation relies on documents, statistics, and testimonies for the invention of the narrative. It is arranged with information from both sides of the argument, but utilizes delivery to show corporations in a negative light. The style is serious and strongly anti-corporation. Memory relies on testimony and historical evidence, events, and statistics.
Expository documentary can be used to sway an audience, or open discussion. It is a strong creative method to open subjects of controversy and illuminate truth and perspectives regarding historical events or current events. The rhetorical aspects make expository filmmaking a flexible and useful tool in communication of narratives.