Design Matters with Debbie Millman Ken Burns
Nov 11, 2024
Ken Burns, an acclaimed documentarian known for his historical films, is joined by fellow filmmakers Sarah Burns and David McMahon. They dive into the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci, discussing the challenges of portraying his multifaceted genius. The trio reflects on the importance of personal narratives in filmmaking and the profound historical insights gained throughout their careers. They also highlight da Vinci's role in transforming the perception of artists and the integral use of music in enhancing film narratives.
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Darkroom Magic
- Ken Burns's earliest memory is of his father building a darkroom.
- He was fascinated by the "alchemy" of images appearing.
Color Confusion
- As a child, Ken Burns mistakenly believed his black and white film would produce color photos.
- This innocent confusion sparked his curiosity about the visual world.
Waking the Dead
- Ken Burns's mother's prolonged illness and death profoundly impacted him.
- He believes this experience influences his work, describing it as "waking the dead."