I’m excited to speak with you specifically about this film — it’s pretty special. Ken Burns’ latest work, co-directed by Sarah Botstein and David P. Schmidt, takes us back to a moment of great dissension and division in American history. Premiering on PBS on November 16, “The American Revolution” is a six-part, 12-hour documentary that delves into the war that led to the creation of the United States.
The production of “The American Revolution” unfolded over 10 years, a labor of love for Burns, who continues to put out about a film a year. The lack of visual documentation of the period posed special challenges for the filmmakers, as there aren’t photos of Revolutionary battlefields to which they can apply “the Ken Burns effect.” The series takes an expansive view of its subject, exploring the motivations and decisions of early Americans, including George Washington and rank-and-file soldiers.
Covering the war also involved integrating the testimony of academic experts, a process of endless discovery. Schmidt, one of the co-directors, reflects on the experience: “We study it for so long, and then we get to work with all of these people who do this as their job every day. I grew up in Colonial Williamsburg, and I don’t know this stuff.”
At 72, Burns, who has been on an extensive press tour, is already looking ahead to future projects, mentioning a Lyndon Johnson project in the works. His films are characterized by a curiosity about the national character and an inherent optimism. Co-director Botstein notes, “He is a great enthusiast. He’s excited about American history, about the human experiment, and about bringing history to life.”
Although Burns rejects the idea that his new film might be seen as a comment on the Trump era, “The American Revolution” offers a clear-eyed, bighearted perspective on progress happening thanks to complex, flawed individuals. In a time of division and uncertainty, the documentary may provide viewers with a much-needed reminder of the resilience of the American spirit.
The lack of visual documentation from the Revolutionary period presented a unique challenge for Burns and his team, who had to rely on maps and paintings as primary visual sources. Despite this limitation, the filmmakers were able to capture the essence of the era through reenactments and expert analysis.
The documentary aims to make the events of the 1770s feel human-scale and relatable. By showcasing the diverse group of people involved in the revolution and presenting multiple perspectives, the series allows viewers to connect with the historical figures on a personal level. Burns emphasizes that the goal is not to take sides but to present a balanced view of the period.
As a citizen with the right to free speech, Burns acknowledges his political views but strives to maintain objectivity in his work. By approaching history as an impartial observer, he aims to present a fair and accurate depiction of the past. “The American Revolution” is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the importance of understanding our shared history. We need to explain this better. It’s a privilege, and it’s a high-wire act. It’s not a solitary thing; it’s a team sport. And it’s really hard! But it’s really rewarding when it works. It’s like the American Revolution — it’s really hard, but man, when it works, it’s worth it.
Your work often explores American history in deep and nuanced ways. How do you approach telling these stories in a time when historical narratives are increasingly politicized?
I’m not a historian, I’m a storyteller. And that’s a really important distinction. Historians have to make sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. I’ve got to make sure that the audience is connecting to the story. And if connecting to the story means that I have to tell you a few things that are not factually accurate — like what the wife of a German general thought about Saratoga — I’m going to do that. If it means that I have to compress time, I’m going to do that. If it means that I have to leave out certain characters or certain events that are really important to historians, I’m going to do that. Because I’m trying to get you to feel that you are living this story. And if I don’t, then I’ve failed. So I’m not going to be a slave to the facts; I’m going to be a slave to the story. And that’s a very different job.
And if that means that people are going to be upset with me — and they often are — I can handle it. Because what I’m trying to do is keep you in the story. I’m not trying to make you feel like you’re in a history class. I’m trying to make you feel like you are living through that moment. And if I do that, then I’ve done my job.
What do you hope viewers will take away from “The American Revolution”?
I hope that they will see the American Revolution as a very human story. It’s not just about great men in Philadelphia inventing our country. It’s about flawed people making incredibly difficult decisions. It’s about people who are not always on the right side of history, but who are trying to do their best. And I hope that people will see themselves in these characters. I hope that they will see the struggles and the conflicts and the challenges that these people face, and that they will see that those struggles and conflicts and challenges are not so different from our own. And I hope that they will feel that connection, that sense of empathy, that sense of understanding, that sense of humanity. Because ultimately, that’s what this story is about — it’s about us. It’s about who we are, where we come from, and where we’re going. And if we can connect with that, then I think we’re on the right track.
There’s a famous saying that goes, “The more you learn, the more you realize how much you don’t know.” And that perfectly encapsulates the experience of being a documentarian for Ken Burns. Each project he embarks on is a journey of discovery, a chance to delve deep into a subject and emerge with a newfound understanding.
Do you ever worry about running out of stories to tell?
Not at all. The world is full of fascinating stories waiting to be told. The challenge is not in finding stories, but in deciding which ones to pursue. It’s about finding that spark of inspiration, that ping-pong ball that drops down to your heart, as Ken Burns puts it. And once you have that, the rest falls into place.
What advice would you give to aspiring documentarians who are just starting out?
Be curious. Be passionate. Be persistent. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and challenge the status quo. Embrace the unknown and be open to learning something new every day. And above all, trust your instincts and follow your heart. That’s where the best stories come from.
As Ken Burns continues to captivate audiences with his insightful and thought-provoking documentaries, one thing is clear: there is always more to learn, more stories to tell, and more knowledge to gain. And for that, we can all be grateful.
Can This Divided Country Emerge Stronger? A Historian’s Perspective
As a student of history, the question of whether our country can overcome its current divisions is a pressing one. The answer, according to some, is a resounding yes. There is hope that we can not only improve but also evolve into something different. These are undoubtedly challenging times we find ourselves in, and it’s important to address them.
Looking back at history can offer a glimmer of optimism. In times of crisis, individuals often seek solace in revisiting their past – their upbringing, family background, and personal story. By understanding where we come from, we can begin to piece together our identity and find strength in our roots. Similarly, countries too are living entities with their own narratives that shape their present and future.
While I may not be a traditional historian, storytelling has always been my passion. I believe in the power of stories to unite us and remind us that there is no “them” – only us. Division often stems from the creation of an enemy, a faceless “them” that we are pitted against. But true unity comes from recognizing that we are all part of the same story.
Despots and authoritarians thrive on creating divisions and scapegoats. By painting others as the enemy, they strip away the essence of community and togetherness. In reality, there is only us – a diverse tapestry of individuals with unique stories that ultimately weave together into one collective narrative.
