Doc Mode Project; Performative Mode

The performative mode of documentary I have found to be one of my favorites due to the focus being directed towards the performance of the subjects and the meaning behind it.  As discussed in class and with my teacher performative mode like the poetic mode portrays different messages, themes and symbols that are seen through the actions of individuals being documented. 

I always wanted to make a long board documentary that shows my friends and I having a good time cruising down a trail enjoying the adrenaline rush as well as peacefulness of Provo Canyon.  However, in order for this documentary to fit the performative mode I knew I had to find a way to illustrate a message through their different styles of long boarding.  Nichols said in his book how documentary enhances our understanding of one’s experience, emotions, values and personalities.  In the performative mode these characteristics are portrayed through the actual performance being documented.  Therefore, I decided to focus on documenting two different personalities portrayed within the actions enforced on two kinds of long boards. 

Mac had a long board that could be taken as one with a more rounded personality because it was built for taking sharp turns and carve on the road.  The reason behind his choice is explained at the end when talks about how much fun he has with the constant carving and swerving along the trails.  In turn this style of long boarding reflects Mac’s rounded personality and that he is a unique person; this is also confirmed when we hear him compare his long board to a sports car, carries a ukulele while long boarding and at the beginning when he goes off on a random yet humorous tangent about him getting attacked by wasps. 

Nate’s personality is reflected as more of a laid back kind of guy who likes to just cruise and enjoy the ride.  This is clearly portrayed as we see him going down the hill with little effort on his part.  We also see his chill personality reflected when he sits/crouches down on the long board.  He does this to put himself in a more comfortable position to be relaxed as the board does most of the work in carrying him down the trail. 

This documentary I feel to be a good representation of the performative more because of its focus on the performance of the subjects as well as the meaning behind their actions in reference to their different personalities and style of long boarding.