You are here:

Ken Burns: America's Storyteller

Name: Ken Burns: America's Storyteller
Released: 2017
Duration: 55 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

2017

Runtime

55 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary functions as a professional retrospective, emphasizing historical methodology and professional credentials over identity-focused narratives. It serves as a commentary on how American history is curated and presented to the public. The film's strength lies in its intellectual diversity, featuring a wide array of scholars and collaborators to provide a multi-perspective approach to historiography. This inclusion enhances the racial and ethnic representation within the piece. However, the work remains anchored in a traditional framework. It lacks intentional focus on LGBTQ+ identities or disability, and the subject matter remains centered within a male-dominated professional sphere.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Ken Burns: America's Storyteller have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary does not include any specific focus on LGBTQ+ identities or stories involving non-straight relationships. It does not prioritize or center on queer perspectives.

How does Ken Burns: America's Storyteller portray gender?

Fair

The film centers on the professional life of Ken Burns, a male filmmaker. It features predominantly male interview subjects and focuses on a traditionally male-dominated professional sphere.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ken Burns: America's Storyteller?

Good

Meaningful representation is achieved through scholars like Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Yo-Yo Ma. The film also explores Burns's efforts to integrate people of color into American historical narratives.

How does Ken Burns: America's Storyteller represent religion and culture?

Fair

The documentary maintains a traditional approach to American history and national narratives. It celebrates the documentary medium without critiquing Western institutions.

Does Ken Burns: America's Storyteller include disability representation?

Limited

There is no significant or intentional focus on visible or invisible disabilities. The film does not use disability as a central narrative device or lens.

Present on Screen

Features a diverse array of intellectual contributors and scholars.
Explores the integration of people of color into mainstream American history.
Offers a nuanced, multi-perspective approach to historical storytelling.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation or focus on LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not address visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative.
Focuses on a traditional, male-dominated professional sphere.

Official Synopsis

Tom Hanks hosts a tribute to acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns that explores the breadth and depth of his work, talks to many of his collaborators, and looks at his filmmaking process to understand how he makes American History come to life. Join Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, George Lucas, Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo Ma, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Sam Waterston, Doris Kearns Goodwin and more for a tribute to the acclaimed filmmaker and an exclusive look at the upcoming production THE VIETNAM WAR.

How are these scores produced? →