Culture Gabfest Knives Out Is Back with a New Hot Priest Edition
21 snips
Dec 3, 2025 
Jamelle Bouie, an insightful opinion columnist, joins the hosts for a lively discussion that spans film and history. They dissect Rian Johnson's latest mystery, celebrated for its unique portrayal of faith through Josh O'Connor's character. The conversation shifts to Ken Burns' ambitious documentary on The American Revolution, praised for its intricate narrative and historical critique. Finally, they tackle the debate on America’s intelligence decline, exploring cultural impacts and educational challenges, making for an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue.
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A Nuanced Founding Narrative
- Ken Burns' The American Revolution aims for a middle course, complicating mythology while affirming the founding's significance.
- Stephen Metcalf found it moving and warned viewers to watch critically but recommended it.
Consensus History, Reframed
- Jamelle Bouie compared Burns' film to Jazz: a consensus history updated by newer scholarship.
- He warned historians will critique it for claiming definitive status while taking implicit sides.
Falling Asleep To Ken Burns
- Julia Turner confessed she fell asleep watching The American Revolution multiple nights.
- She used that to tell listeners it's okay if Ken Burns' style doesn't rivet everyone.
