Ken Burns’ profoundly moving documentary, “The War,” a comprehensive exploration of World War II through the eyes of ordinary Americans from four quintessential towns, began its extensive filming process in early 2001. This marked the official start of a multi-year journey that involved painstaking research, countless interviews, and the meticulous selection and restoration of archival footage to bring this monumental story to life.
A Decade in the Making: The Genesis of “The War”
The seeds for “The War” were sown long before cameras started rolling. Ken Burns, renowned for his historical documentaries like “The Civil War” and “Baseball,” had a long-standing fascination with World War II. The project’s genesis can be traced back to the late 1990s when Burns and his team began conceptualizing a narrative that would move beyond the grand strategies and famous battles to focus on the personal experiences of Americans who lived through the war.
The decision to concentrate on the stories of people from just four towns – Waterbury, Connecticut; Mobile, Alabama; Sacramento, California; and Luverne, Minnesota – was a deliberate one. This approach allowed the filmmakers to paint a more intimate and relatable portrait of a nation at war, highlighting the shared sacrifices and diverse perspectives that defined the era.
The initial years were dedicated to intensive research. Burns and his team combed through local archives, interviewed historians, and, most importantly, began the arduous task of identifying individuals willing to share their wartime memories. This pre-production phase was crucial in establishing the foundation upon which the entire documentary would be built. It’s important to note that the project also faced initial challenges securing funding, which inevitably impacted the timeline.
The Filming Phase: Capturing the Voices of a Generation
The official filming commenced in early 2001. This phase involved conducting hundreds of interviews with veterans, their families, and civilians who experienced the war on the home front. These interviews were the heart and soul of the documentary, providing firsthand accounts of the challenges, triumphs, and tragedies that defined the World War II generation.
Burns and his team traveled extensively to capture these stories, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives were represented. They meticulously recorded each interview, paying close attention to detail to preserve the authenticity and emotional impact of the narratives. The process was often deeply moving and emotionally draining for both the interviewees and the filmmakers.
Simultaneously, the team was involved in sourcing and restoring archival footage and photographs. This involved scouring libraries, museums, and private collections to find visual materials that would complement the personal narratives and bring the era to life for viewers. The restoration process was particularly challenging, as much of the archival footage was in poor condition and required careful preservation.
The Post-Production Process: Weaving the Narrative
The filming concluded around 2006, leading into an equally demanding post-production phase. This involved editing the hundreds of hours of interviews and archival footage into a coherent and compelling narrative. The team worked tirelessly to weave together the personal stories with historical context, creating a documentary that was both informative and emotionally resonant. The selection of music, voiceover narration, and overall pacing were also crucial elements in shaping the final product.
The documentary was eventually released in September 2007 during the 65th anniversary of several key events. The meticulous attention to detail, combined with the powerful personal narratives, made “The War” a critical and commercial success, solidifying Ken Burns’ reputation as one of America’s foremost documentary filmmakers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the making of Ken Burns’ “The War”:
1. How many people were interviewed for “The War”?
Approximately 40 individuals were interviewed extensively for “The War.” While many more were contacted during the research phase, these 40 became the core voices that shaped the documentary’s narrative.
2. What was the biggest challenge in making “The War”?
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the scope of the global conflict with the personal stories of individuals from the four towns. Maintaining historical accuracy while also capturing the emotional impact of the war required careful planning and execution. Also, the sheer volume of archival material that needed to be reviewed and processed was a significant undertaking.
3. Did Ken Burns face any criticism for focusing on only four towns?
Yes, some critics argued that focusing on just four towns limited the scope and perspective of the documentary. However, Burns defended his approach, arguing that it allowed for a more intimate and nuanced portrayal of the war’s impact on everyday Americans.
4. How much did “The War” cost to produce?
The estimated cost of producing “The War” was approximately $8.5 million. This included research, filming, editing, archival footage acquisition, and music licensing.
5. Where did Ken Burns find the archival footage used in “The War”?
The archival footage came from a variety of sources, including the National Archives, the Library of Congress, local historical societies, and private collections. The team spent countless hours searching for and restoring relevant visual materials.
6. What was the reaction to “The War” upon its release?
“The War” was met with widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. Many praised its powerful storytelling, historical accuracy, and emotional impact. It also sparked a national conversation about the legacy of World War II.
7. Did Ken Burns make any changes to “The War” after its initial broadcast?
Yes, after its initial broadcast, Burns made some minor revisions to “The War” in response to criticism regarding the lack of representation of Hispanic veterans. He added segments highlighting their contributions to the war effort.
8. Was “The War” filmed in color or black and white?
The interviews were filmed in color, while the archival footage was primarily in black and white. This contrast helped to distinguish between the contemporary interviews and the historical context of the war.
9. How long is the total running time of “The War”?
The total running time of “The War” is approximately 15 hours, spread across seven episodes.
10. What is Ken Burns’ next project after “The War”?
Following “The War,” Ken Burns has worked on several other notable documentaries, including “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” “Prohibition,” “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History,” and “The Vietnam War” (co-directed with Lynn Novick).
11. What inspired Ken Burns to focus on the human element of World War II?
Burns was inspired by the stories of his own father, who served in the military during World War II. He wanted to create a documentary that captured the sacrifices and experiences of ordinary Americans who lived through this transformative period in history.
12. Where can I watch “The War” now?
“The War” is typically available for streaming on platforms like PBS Passport, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV. It is also often available on DVD and Blu-ray. Availability may vary depending on region.
Ken Burns’ “The War” remains a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking to illuminate the past and connect us to the shared human experience. The long and arduous process of its creation is a reminder of the dedication and meticulous craftsmanship required to bring such a monumental story to the screen.