#88 – Ken Burns – Books

Ken Burns: Documenting the Holocaust and the Role of the United States

Introduction: A New Perspective on the Holocaust

Ken Burns, renowned for his extensive work in documentary filmmaking, including the epic 11-hour miniseries “The Civil War,” has recently delved into one of history’s darkest chapters with his film on the Holocaust. This film, titled “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” airing on PBS, is particularly striking as it examines the Holocaust not just as a historical event, but also in the context of the United States’ involvement and response. The documentary explores fundamental questions about what was known, what actions were taken or not taken, and the extent of the country’s complicity in these tragic events​​.

The Challenge of Confronting the Holocaust

Burns’ latest documentary project delves deep into the Holocaust’s horrors, seeking to renew the sense of horror often lost over time. It also highlights the little-known facts about the Holocaust and the uncomfortable truth of the United States’ complicity. This endeavor took over seven years to complete and involved confronting challenging themes such as racism, anti-Semitism, nativism, and xenophobia. The documentary emphasizes the need for a reckoning and conversation about these difficult topics, especially in times when democratic institutions appear fragile​​.

The Mental Toll of Documenting Tragedy

The process of creating this documentary was not just intellectually demanding but also emotionally taxing. Burns and his team faced the challenge of not only presenting the six and a half hours of the final product but also honoring all the aspects that weren’t included in the film. This included figuring out how to present the horrific footage without sensationalizing it and balancing the darkness with stories of heroism and resistance. The documentary highlights the work of organizations like the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the War Refugee Board, and individuals like Raul Wallenberg, who played critical roles in saving lives during the Holocaust​​.

Personalizing the Holocaust

One of the documentary’s strategies to convey the magnitude of the Holocaust is by personalizing it. For instance, the story of Daniel Mendelsohn’s great uncle, Shmuel Yaeger, and his family, serves to particularize the tragedy, making it more relatable and impactful. The documentary strives to ensure that the audience grasps the individual human stories behind the overwhelming statistics, like the six million Jews who perished. This approach helps in understanding the Holocaust not just as a historical event but as a series of personal tragedies​​.

Confronting the Holocaust’s Unfolding and U.S. Inaction

Ken Burns’ documentary “The U.S. and the Holocaust” reveals the gradual erosion of Jewish rights in Nazi Germany and the missed opportunities for rescue by other nations, including the U.S. The documentary underscores the slow nature of the Holocaust’s escalation, highlighting that many German Jews attempted to emigrate but were often refused entry by other countries, including the U.S. due to restrictive immigration quotas. This aspect of history illustrates a missed opportunity to significantly mitigate the Holocaust’s scale. Burns emphasizes that the U.S. could have done more, despite taking in more refugees than any other sovereign nation at the time​​.

The Challenge of Humanizing the Holocaust

The documentary faces the daunting task of humanizing the Holocaust, a tragedy that claimed six million Jewish lives. Burns and his team strive to make the incomprehensible numbers more tangible by highlighting individual stories, like that of Daniel Mendelson’s great uncle Shmuel Yaeger. They employ a narrative approach to help viewers grasp the enormity of the tragedy on a more personal level. The documentary also explores the U.S. role in the Holocaust, examining how American anti-Semitism, eugenics, and other societal factors contributed to the tragedy​​.

American Icons and Their Stances on Anti-Semitism

Burns discusses the complex nature of American history and its icons, touching on figures like Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh, who harbored and promoted anti-Semitic views. The documentary doesn’t aim to takedown these historical figures but to present a more nuanced and complete story that includes their problematic stances. This approach is part of Burns’ broader goal of telling complicated stories that reveal uncomfortable truths about American society and history​​.

The Documentary as a Cautionary Tale

Although the documentary project began before Donald Trump’s presidency, its themes resonate strongly with current events. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked nativism, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism, which are always present in society but have been given more permission in recent times. Burns underscores the importance of confronting these issues, as they are integral to America’s collective story and its role in the progress of mankind​​.

Language Precision and Storytelling

Ken Burns emphasizes the importance of language precision in his documentary, “The U.S. and the Holocaust.” His team continually refined the script, paying close attention to the language used to describe events and locations, like distinguishing between concentration camps and Nazi-occupied Polish killing centers. This meticulous approach to language underscores the documentary’s commitment to historical accuracy and sensitivity. Burns also highlights the organic process of filmmaking, where interviews, music, and other elements influence and shape the narrative, rather than being fixed in a rigid script​​.

Production Challenges and Creative Freedom

The documentary’s production was a complex process, blending the demands of storytelling with financial realities. Working with PBS allowed Burns the freedom to spend years on a project, a luxury he might not have had with commercial networks or streaming services. Despite financial constraints, Burns and his team dedicated countless hours to the project, reflecting their commitment to crafting a comprehensive and impactful documentary​​.

Transitioning from Initial Films to Current Projects

Reflecting on his career, Burns recalls his first film, “Brooklyn Bridge,” and how his filmmaking style has evolved. He shares how personal experiences, like watching films with his father after his mother’s death, influenced his decision to become a filmmaker. Burns’ educational background at Hampshire College, a highly experimental institution, further shaped his approach to documentary filmmaking. He highlights the transition from handling every aspect of production in his early career to delegating tasks while maintaining control over critical decisions in current projects​​.

The Role of Digital Technology in Filmmaking

Burns discusses the impact of digital technology on filmmaking, noting how it has changed the dynamics of working with photographs and other materials. While digital technology has streamlined some processes, it has also altered the tactile relationship filmmakers had with physical materials. Despite these changes, Burns remains passionate about storytelling and the filmmaking process, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment he derives from improving and completing his films​​.

Educational Philosophy and Personal Growth

Burns reflects on his educational journey at Hampshire College, highlighting its transformative impact on his life. He describes the college’s unique approach, which combined the responsibility of graduate school with the energy of young adults. Burns also shares anecdotes from his early career, including the making of “Brooklyn Bridge” and the establishment of his film company, Florentine Films. These experiences shaped Burns’ approach to filmmaking and solidified his commitment to telling complex, human stories​​.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Commitment to Storytelling

Ken Burns’ journey from a passionate young filmmaker to a renowned documentary director illustrates his unwavering dedication to storytelling. His meticulous attention to detail, commitment to historical accuracy, and ability to adapt to changing technologies and production methods underscore his status as a master of the documentary form. Burns’ work not only educates but also inspires, offering profound insights into the human condition and our collective history​​.