Ken Burns, the renowned documentary filmmaker, made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, providing a fascinating insight into his process for picking documentary topics. The conversation was lively and engaging, with Fallon expressing his admiration for Burns’ work.
When asked how he chooses his subjects, Burns gave a witty response, saying, “the glib answer is they pick me.” He explained that if it’s a good story, it catches his attention. Burns recalled how the idea for a documentary on country music came about when someone mentioned it to him, and shortly thereafter, he spent the next 6 or 7 years working on it. He also mentioned a buffalo film that had been in the works for 30 years, and how waiting allowed for new scholarship and perspectives to be included.
One significant point Burns brought up was the importance of centering the stories of those who had extensive experiences with the subject matter. He highlighted the Native American perspective in relation to the buffalo film, emphasizing how this aspect might not have been as prominent if the project had been done 30 years ago. Burns even revealed that he is venturing beyond American topics with an upcoming documentary on Leonardo da Vinci.
Fallon chimed in, reminiscing about his experience working at a video store, where he witnessed the popularity of Burns’ documentary on the Civil War. He admitted initially feeling that the subject matter might be over his head until he watched it and was blown away. Fallon praised Burns as a genius and credited him with changing the landscape of documentaries.
Burns explained that his goal with all his programs, starting with his first documentary, was to create an emotional connection to the past. He wanted viewers to feel the experiences of the people and not treat them as long-gone entities. This approach adds depth and relatability to his storytelling, setting his documentaries apart.
The conversation also touched on Burns’ most recent project, “American Buffalo.” This documentary highlights the tragic decline in buffalo numbers and the subsequent efforts to save them from extinction. Burns emphasized that the story is split into three acts: the immense slaughter of buffalo, the collective awakening that led to their rescue, and the unwritten third act that asks what future lies ahead for these magnificent creatures. He posed a thought-provoking question to Fallon and the audience: will they be preserved as zoo animals or allowed to roam wild and free?
Fallon pledged to contribute to the third act by raising awareness and taking action. To give viewers a taste of “American Buffalo,” a clip was showcased during the show. The clip aptly demonstrated the awe-inspiring nature and capabilities of these animals.
For viewers eager to explore more of Burns’ work, his documentaries, including “American Buffalo,” are available for streaming on the PBS app. From his groundbreaking series on the Civil War to his latest projects, Ken Burns continues to captivate audiences with his impeccable storytelling and ability to bring history to life.
In conclusion, Ken Burns‘ appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon showcased his passion for documentary filmmaking and shed light on his meticulous process for selecting topics. The interview was a testament to Burns’ status as a legendary filmmaker and his ability to engage viewers through emotionally impactful storytelling.
