Forms and Types of Documentaries

The concept of the documentary contains four predominant ways of presentation to the audience. Here is a brief description of each one:

• Reflexive - In which the film-maker makes their presence known to the audience. They are shown to be presenting and giving narrative guidance in front of the camera.
  
• Poetic - Artistic narrative is constructed. Usually more human interest (celebrity documentaries and the like) rather than current affairs.
  
• Observational - Being there as events unfold. Observational documentaries follow a person and document their journey as events unfold.
  
• Expository - The exposition of a topic or potential analysis of a person throughout the documentary.