9/13/21: An Interview with Ken Burns | SmartLess w/ Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

Crafting Narratives

Ken Burns shares his unique approach to crafting historical narratives, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in documentaries. He describes a poignant moment during the mixing of his Civil War series, where the absence of a gunshot sound created a powerful emotional pause, highlighting the impact of storytelling techniques 1. Ken's passion for history is deeply personal, influenced by his mother's death and his desire to "wake the dead," bringing historical figures like Abraham Lincoln to life 2. He likens filmmaking to making maple syrup, where the process of editing is subtractive, refining the narrative to its essence 3.

The laws of storytelling, as you know, are the same for me and Steven Spielberg... He can make shit up and I can't, but it's the same laws of storytelling.

--- Ken Burns

Ken's dedication to authenticity and emotional truth in his work is evident in his meticulous approach to documentary filmmaking.

   

Authenticity

Ken's commitment to authenticity in storytelling is a hallmark of his documentaries. He admires filmmakers like Fred Wiseman and Werner Herzog, who each pursue different truths in their work 4. Ken believes in the interconnectedness of history, echoing Mark Twain's sentiment that "history rhymes," and emphasizes the importance of telling diverse stories to reflect this complexity 5. He also addresses the challenges of uncovering historical secrets, such as the intimate letters between Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed, which require careful interpretation to maintain historical integrity 6.

All life is interrelated. All people are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.

--- Martin Luther King

Ken's documentaries strive to capture this interconnectedness, offering a nuanced perspective on American history.

   

Representation

Ken tackles the challenges of representing complex historical figures and events, such as Muhammad Ali, by exploring their multifaceted legacies. He highlights Ali's journey from a celebrated athlete to a controversial figure, emphasizing the importance of presenting a comprehensive narrative 7. Ken's upcoming projects, including a film on the U.S. and the Holocaust, demonstrate his willingness to explore difficult topics and expand beyond American history 8. He acknowledges the intricacies involved in documentary filmmaking, where new information can complicate existing narratives, but sees this as an opportunity to enrich the story.

Let's make it even more complicated. Let's add Undertow. If it's true to that story.

--- Ken Burns

By embracing complexity, Ken ensures his documentaries remain authentic and thought-provoking, challenging audiences to reconsider their understanding of history.