Ken Burns is a legendary figure in documentary filmmaking. Over his four-decade career, he has brought significant events in American history to life through his unique storytelling style. Notable works include documentaries on the Civil War, the Roosevelts, national parks, and Vietnam. His method of storytelling has become so influential that Apple named a feature in its iMovie editing software after him, known as “the Ken Burns effect.”
Upcoming Series: The American Revolution
Burns is set to launch a new six-part series titled The American Revolution, which will debut on PBS on November 16. This series aims to shift the traditional narrative of the Revolution, reinterpreting it as a “civil war.” Burns emphasizes that contemporary perspectives often overlook the fact that people at the time referred to it as a civil war.
Exploring the Civil War Perspective
In the new series, Burns addresses the complexities of loyalty during the Revolution. Loyalists, characterized as conservatives, viewed the British constitutional monarchy as the ideal form of government. This perspective contributed to their prosperity and literacy, which, Burns argues, stemmed from a long period of British neglect of colonial governance.
The Southern Strategy
Burns highlights the significance of the South in this historical narrative. While New England ignited the rebellion, the British employed a Southern strategy to regain control. They believed loyalist sentiments were stronger in the South, capturing key locations like Georgia and Charleston. However, the British ultimately faced challenges in pacifying South Carolina.
Turning Points in the War
- The British General Cornwallis moved into North Carolina and then Virginia, aiming to secure victory.
- Virginia’s importance stemmed from its large population and as the birthplace of significant figures, including George Washington.
- Ultimately, Cornwallis’s decision led to his downfall at Yorktown, a location Washington had warned against for battles.
Connecting Past to Present
Burns began the project during the latter months of the Obama administration. He noted that while the country’s current climate is different as it approaches its 250th anniversary, his commitment to portraying the facts remains unchanged. “It’s complicated,” he quips, highlighting the intricate history he aims to present.
Personal Reflections and Favorite Objects
Burns shares that he often carries a heart-shaped stainless-steel object made after the Civil War, known as the healing heart. He also possesses a minié ball from the Gettysburg battlefield, both of which hold personal significance for him.
The Meaning Behind Quilts
Surrounded by his quilt collection, Burns expresses a fascination with their unknown history. The quilts, created by women whose identities are often lost to time, add a layer of complexity to historical narratives. For him, these objects embody stories waiting to be uncovered.
The Changing Landscape of Viewership
The way audiences consume documentaries has evolved significantly since the airing of The Civil War. Burns laments the loss of shared viewing experiences, but he embraces the new streaming landscape while maintaining a fondness for collective watching.
As Ken Burns prepares to present The American Revolution, he continues to honor the intricacies of history. His commitment to storytelling aims to reveal the layered narratives that define American identity, blending art and factual integrity.
