Worlds Most Illegal Game of Volleyball Analysis of Documentary Short “Walleyball” by Brandon Vogt

Walleyball Filmed in 2006Filmed in 2006 Directed By Brent HoffDirected By Brent Hoff –Hoff was also one of the volleyball players for the U.S. team Produced by Emily DoeProduced by Emily Doe Narrated by Arnoldo GarciaNarrated by Arnoldo Garcia Thesis - documentary analysis will focus on the underlying message of the film pertaining to the many kinds of walls that exist in our society today and the way in which the filmmaker uses background sounds and visuals to persuade viewers of the need to strive to tear down these walls.Thesis - documentary analysis will focus on the underlying message of the film pertaining to the many kinds of walls that exist in our society today and the way in which the filmmaker uses background sounds and visuals to persuade viewers of the need to strive to tear down these walls.

Walleyball Setting – San Diego/Tijuana BorderSetting – San Diego/Tijuana Border Beach volleyball using physical border wall made of large wooden slats as volleyball netBeach volleyball using physical border wall made of large wooden slats as volleyball net Two players from U.S. and two HispanicsTwo players from U.S. and two Hispanics Game considered illegal because it involved transferring an unapproved item across the border.Game considered illegal because it involved transferring an unapproved item across the border. U. S. team wins U. S. team wins

Walleyball Filmmaker uses different camera angles to help tell the storyFilmmaker uses different camera angles to help tell the story –Shoots from down low to show how big the wall actually is –Zooms in through the slats to show Mexican side of the border –Pans out to show both sides of border/net for volleyball game

Walleyball Visual images also reinforce narrativeVisual images also reinforce narrative –Families relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying the beach on the Mexican side of the border –Focuses on military helicopters hovering over American side of the border –Military jeeps on patrol on American side –Volleyball players talking through the wall, laughing and congratulating each other

Walleyball Documentary short message is portrayed through use of visual and audio techniquesDocumentary short message is portrayed through use of visual and audio techniques Underlying message – walls in society are giving us a prison mentalityUnderlying message – walls in society are giving us a prison mentality –Filmmaker is persuading us to work on tearing down the walls, whether physical, mental, or emotional –Reach through and tear down barriers by showing humanity to neighbors and all mankind

Walleyball Documentary uses ethos, pathos, and logos to tell it’s storyDocumentary uses ethos, pathos, and logos to tell it’s story –Ethos – producer is also a participant in game –Pathos – camera shots show how large and looming the wall is and appears to have the families on the Mexican side locked in so it plays on the emotions of the viewer –Logos – Logical reasons for immigration laws but perhaps a logical society should be able to come up with a better way than building physical restraining walls

Walleyball Documentary is very persuasive and challenges the us to re-evaluate our actions.Documentary is very persuasive and challenges the us to re-evaluate our actions. –Do we have limiting walls up based on race, religion, or sex? Tear them down! –Are we showing compassion to our neighbors? Show some kindness! –Can we improve our good citizenship efforts in our own neighborhood and then take global? Offer a helping hand with training and support for the betterment of all!