Film 101: Understanding Performative Documentary Mode

Performative documentary films focus on the filmmakers’ involvement with his or her subject, using his or her personal experience or relationship with the subject as a jumping-off point for exploring larger, subjective truths about politics, history, or groups of people. A cinematographer is often asked to capture the documentary production process, as well as intimate footage that illustrates the direct and often personal relationship between filmmaker and subject.

The different modes of documentary filmmaking come with their own characteristics, although some elements of each may overlap. Generally, performative documentary filmmaking is more personal. Performative documentary styles share the experiences and personal feelings of the filmmaker and rely on a subjective lens, presenting the truth as relative.

This non-fiction film style often emphasizes the filmmaker’s involvement, as they appear as the centerpiece of the film, driving the action, speaking with subjects, and analyzing information. The filmmaker uses their own feelings and experiences to obtain an emotional response from the audience and drive forward their film’s agenda.

Some examples of performative documentaries are:

1. 1. Tongues Untied (1989). Marlon Riggs’ film chronicles the life experiences of gay African American men, exploring subjects like class, religion, and politics while using footage from his real life. Riggs is the main subject of the film, and it is through his personal lens that we are able to experience his life and share his truth.
2. 2. Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer (1994). Nick Broomfield examines the case of Aileen Wuornos, capturing footage of his interviews with the convicted felon as he re-examines her charges and subsequent trial, attempting to prove that she was not the villain she was made out to be. The audience hears a side of Wuornos’ story through the point of view of Broomfield, who comes to his own conclusions regarding her murders and attempts to shed light on corruption and influence within the justice system.
3. 3. Supersize Me (2004). Morgan Spurlock documents his experience of solely eating McDonald’s fast food for 30 days, chronicling the body issues, health problems, and the ensuing doctor’s visits he endures in an attempt to prove that the food sold at the famous chain is unhealthy. Spurlock’s declining health calls into question the conglomerate’s motivations and practices.
4. 4. Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004). This documentary features a blend of factual analysis with powerful emotion, where filmmaker Michael Moore constructs a narrative using outrage and horror to evoke a strong emotional response from his viewers. Moore often appears on-screen giving “man on the street” style interviews to subjects, crafting his own interpretation of how the war in Iraq unfolded and America’s response to it.

Become a better filmmaker with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by film masters, including David Lynch, Spike Lee, Jodie Foster, Martin Scorsese, Ken Burns, and more.