The Real Goal of Storytelling (Hint: It’s Not Being Right) | A Bit of Optimism Podcast
Ken Burns discusses his approach to documentary filmmaking, emphasizing that history, like life, is complicated. He believes that while humans strive to simplify the world for understanding and a sense of belonging, they must also accept and live with its inherent complexity. His work aims to present multiple perspectives, challenging preconceived notions and offering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of historical events.
Burns explains that filmmaking is a process of subtraction, where 500 hours of footage might be condensed to 12. This simplification is not about ignoring complexity but about revealing the mystery of life. He likens it to music, where the intervals between notes create the melody, or film, where the cuts between shots create the story. The phrase "it's complicated" hangs in his editing room, reflecting this philosophy.
