The expository mode is the first documentary mode to combine the four elements of documentary. It addresses the audience directly, advancing an argument, all while staying completely objective. These types of documentaries speak directly to the viewer with voice-over (sometimes referred to as “voice-of-God commentary,” where the speaker is heard but never seen) as images serve to illustrate what is being said. Unlike most films where images play the leading role, in expository documentaries, images are a supporting role. As Nichols explains, the mode gives priority to spoken word in order to convey a film’s perspective from a single, unifying source (154).
Stranger With A Camera fits into the expository mode of documentary in that it gives an impression of objectivity. The film does a great job of giving both sides of the story and remaining sensitive to the people who were subject of the film. Nanook of the North, Night Mail, and Night and Fog are some other examples of documentaries we have watched in class that fit into the expository mode. When comparing Stranger With A Camera to Night and Fog, there are a few similarities as well as differences. They both do an excellent job of portraying events that took place and both use narration, or “voice-of-God” throughout the film. The two differ in that one, Stranger With A Camera, is objective, remaining neutral for the entirety of the film, while Night and Fog couldn’t possibly be objective about such heavy, heartbreaking occurrences.
Stranger With A Camera differs from Nanook of the North in that there are no words, no narration, in Nanook. The images and happenings we see in Nanook not only illustrate, but they tell the story itself. We rely on them to gather any and all information about his life. It amazes me how much one can take away from that film even though it never once speaks to us (using actual words).
Bill Nichols has much to say in regards to film “voice.” In documentary film, voice gives perspective and logic. It involves how things are framed. “Voice of perspective” speaks through a filmmaker’s decisions about selection and arrangement of images and sounds (75). Voice combines some of the elements of rhetoric (invention, arrangement, style, memory, delivery) and evokes feeling from an audience.
One of the most crucial jobs of a documentary filmmaker is to be true to the experiences of people. And I believe Elizabeth Barret’s Stranger With A Camera does an excellent job of doing so while being sensitive and showing poverty without shaming the people.
28 Comments
Superior post, keep up with this exceptional work. It’s nice to know that this topic is being also covered on this web site so cheers for taking the time to discuss this! Thanks again and again! tradisi bet
Warm sunny morning, delicious noodles, great game Drift Boss and listening to warm music…great!
I am very happy to discover your post as it will become on top in my collection of favorite blogs to visit. Rajabandot
Thank you for very usefull information.. 총판구인구직
Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. ninja288
I am very happy to discover your post as it will become on top in my collection of favorite blogs to visit. Entertainment News
I am glad you take pride in what you write. This makes you stand way out from many other writers that push poorly written content. toto macau 4d
The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes. Design is pretty simple and a good user friendly interface. slot88 resmi
I am very happy to discover your post as it will become on top in my collection of favorite blogs to visit. link login rajaslot
Thank you for very usefull information.. rajaslotlogin.com
Afancy minimal waste semi automatic CBD filling machine
Custom cookie cutter stamp embossers plastic cookie cutter
Your content is nothing short of bright in many forms. I think this is friendly and eye-opening material. I have gotten so many ideas from your blog. Thank you so much. alternatif exototo
You understand your projects stand out of the crowd. There is something unique about them. It seems to me all of them are brilliant. seo monterrey
i was just browsing along and came upon your blog. just wanted to say good blog and this article really helped me. 총판
i was just browsing along and came upon your blog. just wanted to say good blog and this article really helped me. https://www.ini188pp.com/
i was just browsing along and came upon your blog. just wanted to say good blog and this article really helped me. https://www.reddit.com/r/AustralianCasinos_/
The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes. Design is pretty simple and a good user friendly interface. https://royaltv01.com/
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. dewatogel
Very useful info. Hope to see more posts soon!. alexistogel login alternatif
Wholesale Best Semi-automatic Cartridge Filling Machie
510 Vape Pen Cartridge Filling Machie
I learn some new stuff from it too, thanks for sharing your information. bandar toto macau
I have been examinating out many of your stories and it’s pretty good stuff. I will definitely bookmark your website. poker88
you have a very excellent weblog here! if you’d like to earn some invite posts in my small blog? m88 alternatif
you have a very excellent weblog here! if you’d like to earn some invite posts in my small blog? stars77 link
I am really pleased by your generosity and perceptiveness, which I truly value. I sincerely appreciate your continual inspiration. play space waves game
Very useful info. Hope to see more posts soon!. Best Online Games