Types of Documentaries
Focuses on mood, tone, and rhythm rather than a linear narrative, often using visuals and sound to evoke emotions.
Poetic Documentary
What is this an example of?
"You must act now to save on this once-in-a-lifetime deal!”
High Modality Language
This orca is the central figure in Blackfish, linked to the deaths of several trainers
Tilikum
This persuasive technique asks a question not to get an answer, but to make the audience think or emphasize a point.
Rhetorical Questions
Provides a factual, authoritative account of a topic, often with a clear, didactic voice-over narration.
Expository Documentary
What is this an example of?
“Don’t miss out! You deserve the best.”
Direct Address
This film highlights the collapse of what fin in captive male orcas, arguing it symbolises stress and confinement.
Dorsal fin collapse
This technique strengthens a message by deliberately using the same word or phrase multiple times for emphasis.
Repetition
Captures events as they happen without interference, presenting reality as it unfolds.
Observational documentary
Framed two subjects in the same shot to show their relationship or interaction
Two shot
After the of Dawn Brancheau, this federal agency cited Seaworld for safety violations and barred trainers from close contact with orcas during performances
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
This figure of speech uses extreme exaggeration to highlight a point or create a strong impression.
Hyperbole
The filmmaker interacts with the subjects, often becoming part of the story themselves.
Participatory documentary
_____ is when two contrasting shots are placed together.
Juxtaposition
Before arriving at Seaworld, Tilikum was involved in the 1991 death of trainer Kelties Byrne at this now defunct marine park
Sealand
This persuasive strategy uses words like “we,” “us,” and “our” to make the audience feel involved and united with the speaker.
Inclusive Language
Examines the process of making the documentary itself, highlighting the filmmaker’s role and choices.
Reflexive Documentary
Sound added during post-production that the characters cannot hear.
Non-Diegetic Sound
The film features former Seaworld trainers discussing this psychological concept, in which captive orcas allegedly exhibit aggression redirected towards trainers due to confinement stress
Displaced aggression
This persuasive appeal targets the audience’s emotions—such as sympathy, anger, or joy—to influence their beliefs or actions.