The Civil War Review: Ken Burns's Landmark History
9/10 — The Civil War (1990)
Pros
- Emotional use of photographs and letters
- Shelby Foote's storytelling
- Haunting music
Cons
- Focus on battles
- Some historical criticism
In nine episodes, Ken Burns’s The Civil War tells the story of the conflict using photographs, letters, diaries and music, with narration by David McCullough and commentary from historian Shelby Foote. It was a huge ratings hit.
What works
The slow pans across archival photographs, now called the Ken Burns effect, create an emotional intimacy, and the readings of letters by actors are moving. Shelby Foote’s storytelling is memorable, and the soundtrack, including ‘Ashokan Farewell’, is haunting.
Where it falters
Some historians have criticised its focus on battles over the causes of the war and its treatment of slavery and Reconstruction.
Verdict
A moving, influential documentary, with some limitations.
