Documentary modes –
reference class notes and HW assignment printed notes.
Gunning uses “digitalized” in reference to an image that has been put in the hands of human beings that
they may act on their knowledge in reference to the image.
Considering the documentary "Super Size Me" (2004), directed by Morgan Spurlock, the film can be
primarily categorized under the participatory mode.
Participatory Mode: "Super Size Me" aligns with the participatory mode as the filmmaker actively
involves himself in the subject matter. Morgan Spurlock becomes a part of the experiment by consuming
only McDonald's food for 30 days. His participation in the documentary demonstrates a direct
engagement with the issues and emphasizes his subjective perspective on the fast-food industry.
Nichols' Modes: While "Super Size Me" predominantly falls within the participatory mode, it also
incorporates elements of the reflexive mode. Throughout the film, Spurlock's commentary and self-
reflection highlight the constructed nature of the documentary itself. This reflexivity prompts viewers to
consider the role of the filmmaker in shaping the narrative and underscores the subjectivity inherent in
documentary filmmaking.
Gunning's Idea of Digitalized Film: In "Super Size Me," the use of digital technology aids in presenting
Spurlock's personal journey and the effects of consuming fast food, emphasizing how the digital medium
allows for the manipulation of identity and truth. The use of digitalized effects and editing techniques
helps convey the physical and emotional toll that the fast-food experiment has on Spurlock's health.
In this context, Gunning's notion of film as a "guarantor of identity" when "digitalized" highlights how
"Super Size Me" utilizes digital tools to construct a personal narrative and shape the audience's
