CODES AND CONVENTIONS- PERFORMATIVE DOCUMENTARY GENRE

Performative documentaries show an opinion upon a certain issue or event; they may often reflect a slightly diff erent take on events to what is the common interpretation. They may also use investigative journalism to explore the angle on the story which they are arguing. The aim of this is to try and change the audience’s opinion on a subject or to open their mind up to a diff erent angle on a story.

PERFORMATIVE DOCUMENTARY GENRE

CASE STUDY

In 1997, rap superstars Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace (aka Biggie Smalls, The Notorious B.I.G.) were gunned down in separate incidents, the apparent victims of hip hop's infamous east-west rivalry. Nick Broomfield's film introduces Russell Poole, an ex-cop with damning evidence that suggests the LAPD deliberately fumbled the case to conceal connections between the police, LA gangs and Death Row Records, the label run by feared rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight.

Uses a voiceover frequently to add further information and show the writers views on the footage which has been shown.

Uses sound aff ects relating to the subject e.g. use of police sirens in the documentary when the subject of the murders is talked about. This is used to refl ect the seriousness of the topic.

Soundtracks relating to the documentary can also be used. In this example Biggie and Tupac songs are featured, in order to show their career and refl ect their talent.

Throughout the Biggie and Tupac documentary a large amount of diegetic sound is present because a lot of the interviews are done in public places, this refl ects that the interviews are not always agreed upon but are more out of the crew’s persistence.

CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF THE GENRE USED IN THIS DOCUMENTARY

(SOUND)

The camera man often follows the on-screen presenter. This is used in the documentary I watched to show Nick trying to gain information from interviewees and following people to gain information. This shows the presenters enthusiasm for the subject as he is determined to investigate the subject and fi nd information.

Investigative journalism is used to fi nd evidence to back up the writer’s opinion. The Biggie and Tupac documentary almost acts as an investigation into the murders. Nick Broomfi eld interviews various people that support his opinion, has CCTV footage and has large amounts of background footage relating to the case and the victims (Biggie and Tupac).

CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF THE GENRE USED IN THIS DOCUMENTARY

(VISUAL)

In terms of audience theory the performative documentary genre most relates to surveillance. This is because it shows opinions on issues and may particularly appeal to people who are interested in diff erent theories on events. In terms of the Biggie and Tupac documentary it is something that may appeal to more than just hip hop fans because it focuses on diff erent aspects such as crime, corruption etc.

TARGET AUDIENCE OF THIS GENRE

The performative documentary genre is aff ective in reflecting someone’s personal view on events and trying to convince the audience of a diff erent perspective. The fact that it collects evidence for a particular opinion can be used to change the opinion of the audience. Although this the case it may be hard to do this in some cases and due to the fact that the documentary often tries to portray a minority view it may be hard to convince the majority of the proff ered reading.

HOW AFFECTIVE IS THIS DOCUMENTARY GENRE?

Performative documentaries aren’t a commonly used mode. Although this is the case there are a few famous examples such as ‘Supersize me’, ‘Biggie and Tupac’, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ and ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’. The examples often include someone trying to portray their personal and minority view meaning it may be harder to produce the documentary and to gain support for it. Many of the documentaries are often low budget operations.

IS IT A POPULARLY USED GENRE?

They tend to show an individuals view on a certain event or topic. This view may not be one that is widely believed or accepted.

They use investigative journalism to gather information and evidence.

They are often low budget documentaries usually involving a small production team.

They use both an+ on screen presenter and a voice over.

HOW ARE PERFORMATIVE DOCUMENTARIES DIFFERENT?