Bordwell and Thompson explain that while most documentary films follow a narrative of some sort, there are those that are non-narrative. These usually fall into two categories; Categorical or Rhetorical. So what exactly do these mean? In all honesty, I still don’t entirely understand it myself – but here are some pointers that I used to help myself understand.

Categorical:

• Documentary filmmakers may present the information in categories to organise their film’s form.
• The documentary will begin by identifying it’s subject, then present the information using a patterned development. Bordwell and Thompson explain that the film “might move from small to large, local to national..”
• Because of the repetition that usually occurs within categorical films, the often risk boring the audience. It needs variation to keep the audience’s interest.
• They can also maintain audience engagement by including miniature narratives.

Rhetorical:

• Filmmaker presents persuasive argument.
• It’s common in all types of media, advertisements, salespeople and even conversations with friends can incorporate rhetorical form.
• Has four basic qualities. –
  • It address the individual viewer openly
  • The subject is mostly a matter of opinion rather than strictly factual.
  • The film may target the viewers emotions.
  • It prompts the viewer to make some sort of decision based on what they’ve viewed.
• They can consist of;
  • Sourced arguments (Rely on evidence)
  • Self Centred Arguments (Appeals to the beliefs and values of their audience)