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The Statue of Liberty

Name: The Statue of Liberty
Director: Ken Burns
Released: 1985
Duration: 60 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

1985

TV-G

Director

Ken Burns

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ken Burns employs a multi-perspective approach to deconstruct national myths, moving beyond superficial celebratory clichés. By focusing on the human experiences behind the monument, the film transforms the statue into a complex symbol of refuge and identity. The documentary integrates diverse voices that complicate traditional Western narratives, achieving high marks in racial and cultural complexity. However, it lacks direct representation for LGBTQ+ identities and disability, relying on the intellectual presence of certain interviewees.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Statue of Liberty have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't show LGBTQ+ identities or intimacy directly. However, it includes James Baldwin, providing an intellectual framework that engages with queer history and civil rights.

How does The Statue of Liberty portray gender?

Good

The documentary challenges patriarchal narratives by centering voices like Barbara Jordan. It highlights women's roles through personal diaries and letters, emphasizing their experiences as immigrants.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Statue of Liberty?

Excellent

The film showcases exceptional representation centered around the immigrant experience and voices that challenge Anglo-Saxon dominance. Figures like James Baldwin and Barbara Jordan add significant depth to the narrative.

How does The Statue of Liberty represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film avoids a single patriotic perspective, focusing instead on the diverse experiences of underrepresented groups. It explores the concept of liberty through various critical intellectual viewpoints.

Does The Statue of Liberty include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's content.

Present on Screen

Exceptional centering of the immigrant experience and non-white perspectives.
Strong use of diverse voices like James Baldwin and Barbara Jordan.
Effective deconstruction of traditional, monolithic national narratives through varied interviews.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities or characters.
No visible focus on physical or neurodivergent disability representation.
Reliance on intellectual frameworks rather than direct character-driven diversity.

Official Synopsis

For more than 100 years, the Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of hope and refuge for generations of immigrants. In this lyrical, compelling and provocative portrait of the statue, Ken Burns explores both the history of America’s premier symbol and the meaning of liberty itself. Featuring rare archival photographs, paintings and drawings, readings from actual diaries, letters and newspapers of the day, the fascinating story of this universally admired monument is told. In interviews with Americans from all walks of life, including former New York governor Mario Cuomo, the late congresswoman Barbara Jordan and the late writers James Baldwin and Jerzy Kosinski, The Statue of Liberty examines the nature of liberty and the significance of the statue to American life. Nominated for both the Academy Award ® and the Emmy Award ®, The Statue of Liberty received the prestigious CINE Golden Eagle, the Christopher Award and the Blue Ribbon at the American Film Festival.

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