Aesthetic Modes and Documentary Types in relation to Amy (2015)

Observational - what is it, and what are its stylistic features?

Documentary type: unprompted action, fly on the wall style, lack of interference, filming as it happens

Traditional focus on women as a subject

Poetic - what is it, and what are its stylistic features?

Documentary type: images anchored with music, usually uses montage devices, seeks to be emotional, often has symbolic meaning

Expository - what is it, and what are its stylistic features?

Documentary type: primary function is to provide information, factual, voice of god narration, testimony

Name the visual aesthetic modes:

proactive observationalism

reactive observationalism

illustrative mode

associative mode

Name the verbal aesthetic modes:

overheard exchange

testimony

expository (voice of god)

What is proactive observationalism?

visual aesthetic mode - planned shots (actively engaging)

What is reactive observationalism?

visual aesthetic mode - unplanned shots (reacting to it)

What is illustrative mode?

visual aesthetic mode - images are literal

What is associative mode?

visual aesthetic mode - images are metaphorical/symbolic

What is overheard exchange?

verbal aesthetic mode - the recording of seemingly spontaneous conversation

What is testimony?

verbal aesthetic mode - planned interviews/dialogues

What is expository (verbal)?

verbal aesthetic mode - a voice of authority that we trust (voice of god)