The documentary, Seabiscuit, is part of a historical series from PBS which recounts the events of the 1930’s and how they shaped American society. Horse racing was becoming a major spectator sport and Seabiscuit was its starring champion. The documentary uses several techniques of storytelling to impart on the viewer the growing importance of horseracing as a spectator sport in the United States. The strategies include featuring Seabiscuit as the unlikely protagonist, pacing of the contents in order for the audience to fully appreciate the content and a musical score that highlights music of the era. Seabiscuit was the unlikely protagonist of the racing world and the documentary. Every story, whether fiction or nonfiction requires a protagonist, a hero on a quest (Ramsley). In the case of Seabiscuit, an unlikely horse is presented as a contender for winning championships in the world of 1930’s horseracing. Seabiscuit is described as “blocky, he was coarse, crude looking” (Ives, 1:42). He was purchased for a cheap…show more content… The musical score is critical in digital storytelling (Bull and Kajder). The documentary is defined through each segment by music from the era. The music sets a mood for the audience, especially when coupled with images of famous people from that period. “Putting on the Ritz” (Ives, 02:34) is the score for the telling of Seabiscuit’s trip to the east coast to race where he won repeated races. “Putting on the Ritz” is a song about wealth and showing off. Throughout the song the rich, famous and powerful of the time are featured in photographs until the story returns to images of Seabiscuit. The song also echoes Seabiscuit’s racing behavior and winning streak on the east coast. Each segment features a different song from the 1930s which were carefully chosen to match the mood and the action that occurs. This careful use of music enhances the story and the experience for the
