Ken Burns on his new film, "Leonardo da Vinci"

[@cwatson3495]

I would be happy watching ANYTHING Ken Burns was involved in. He is an American treasure.

[@donofon1014]

I am sure all those years ago when his Civil War project was complete .. Ken thought that the scars were healed enough that he could "humanize" both sides. Sorry, the Confederacy reversed the battlefield outcome of the war, imposed Jim Crow and segregation ... and the dark racist side remained... remains .. just under the surface. Meanwhile Burns sentimentalized the "losing side" which is quite sure it did not lose. I believe that Burns has admitted as much saying that he over embraced Shelby Foote. His body of work is an American treasure, agreed. Meanwhile elements of the Civil War are at work in the current election campaign and it is not sentimental.

[@mortalclown3812]

​@donofon1014 You articulated my feelings re: all things Confederate. I'm old, white and from the deepest American south. Racism's infuriating and heartbreaking reality has been evident to me for my entire life. Now, current leaders in various jurisdictions are trying to forbid the truth of that from being taught at all. Tho I appreciate Burns' body of work, it's ironic that he ended up bestowing grace on - strong language, but, after Jan. 6, it seems fitting - traitors to Democracy. Yes, the legacy was inadvertent, but one not enough people choose to consider. Paz y luz

[@frankmalinaro9700]

@@donofon1014 Showing Empathy and compassion are new and unfortunately rare acts theses days ..Empathy is the only end to hate . I'm working on it ..Ken is there .

[@LLCwr41th]

Last series was just woke leftist propaganda though, really disappointing. Still, his way of documenting should be an example for everyone.

[@DanSmith-j8y]

@@donofon1014 Sounds like he hasn't learned his lesson, if he's basing any of this DaVinci project on Walter Isaacson. I don't know if I can trust any of his work.

[@marierisdon8894]

I love listening to Ken Burns tell stories. He is an amazing American teacher.

[@lamontejohn6244]

Ken Burns - a true American treasure. We’re so fortunate to be living as fellow citizens of this great country, and fortunate that he is telling these stories.

[@dr.keithheimann3963]

I can never get enough of da Vinci.

[@mirrage42]

I can never get enough of Ken Burns.

[@bencrouse77]

Leonardo 😉

[@markbeames7852]

rumor has it Leonardo has shuffled off the mortal coil. Several centuries ago if it's too be believed. I'll have to check Wiki

[@Truthinthestarspsk]

What a BEAUTIFUL SOUL Ken Burns is! I’m looking forward to watching this on Nov 18. Thank you for a wonderful interview!

[@rockymtnpbs]

thanks for watching!

[@TwinRabbitMan]

No other filmmaker can deep dive into history like Ken Burns! Can't wait to see this one!

[@robertgiles9124]

Hyperbole; MANY can and many do. You gotta get out more.

[@rondunn4336]

He co-produced "The History of Jazz" including only one white musician. That tells us about Ken Burns.

[@robertgiles9124]

@@rondunn4336 yeah that was not a very interesting one but some ohers were great. I play Jazz and know the entire field and it was wanting. At leaast it wasn't all smooth Jazz.

[@Jolie_sailor]

Mr. Burns has contributed immensely to our education over the years. We are grateful for his talent, his team and his un diminishing attention to detail and research!!!

[@gmaureen]

My favorite person of all time...Leonardo...and the incredible Mr. Burns. Can hardly wait for Nov 18.

[@jessicalee7119]

We all need to focus our energy on Ken Burns living and gifting us his amazing documentaries ❤️❤️❤️ forever!

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

Thank you for being a PBS channel on KZbin that lets the "public" actually comment. This should be a great film with the Burns treatment.😁

[@connieverbeck1110]

Wowzer!! Thank you Mr. Burns!! For being our feet, eyes, ears in the ground of those of us who don’t/can’t travel. Thank you so much. And kudos to the moderator who conducted this interview! Great questions!!

[@rockymtnpbs]

thank you for watching!

[@urbanEXurban]

WOW! I’m bringing my 16yo son to Florence in early November to explore the Medici and the renaissance movement… THIS will be the perfect wrap up to that trip! THANKS to Mr. Burns for his own GREAT contributions to society!!!

[@artscience9981]

Great discussion! My compliments to the interviewer, who modestly interjected just the right question at just the right time.

[@vswami78]

Love Ken. And the interviewer is a find!

[@kingtutt3371]

One day, there will be a documentary about Ken Burns, probably by his daughter. He is responsible for archiving important American moments and people for all of history to enjoy. Excited that he is branching out to da Vinci....I was always fascinated by Leonardo...can't wait to see it.

[@first2summit]

Is "Ken Burns" by Ken Burns a little too meta? :)

[@rolandosarabia810]

"This old dog got taught a new trick" that kind of humbleness is what makes Ken Burns a great artist and a true intellectual of our times.

[@LynnHarker]

Wow! Can’t wait to see this - AND I want to go back and watch EVERYTHING Ken Burns has ever done.

[@moonroxxit]

Me, too.

[@williamdillard5060]

Ken Burns is THE BEST documentary filmmaker ever. I've watched "Jazz" "Country Music" "Baseball" "National Park".

[@MB-vu3ow]

What about his definitive series on the Civil War?

[@brandyjean7015]

​@@MB-vu3owand his Dust Bowl videos.

[@whatsit101]

Can't wait!

[@crystalfrancis3211]

This one of the best interviews of Ken Burns I have ever heard.

[@virginiatyree6705]

Agreed. It was quiet and the questions were terrific. v

[@karenkonz3181]

This is the best interview of Ken Burns I’ve ever seen😍😍

[@sharonletts88]

For saying no to the project initially, I’ve never seen him as animated.

[@rockymtnpbs]

very kind of you to say! thank you.

[@Donna-cc1kt]

Mr Burns, cannot express the beauty, history, and marvel, you have given me. You are the only film genus I have known. Thank you for your gifts.

[@iamericandavinci]

Some people are truly gifted with the potential to alter the trajectory of our civilization. Leonardo da Vinci was one of those people.

[@anthonyfowler8634]

@@iamericandavinci mankind believes many things of which there is no proof that cause many problems mine assertion may be here-say but I have done research. Simply go into the Internet research famous people that had epilepsy then research the condition. Talk to a Neurologist.

[@DanSmith-j8y]

He wasn't one of those people.

[@pennybloom3183]

Can't wait to see this one. Ken 's docs are so well done. I didn't miss a second of his country music documentary, even though I don't like country music. It's just great storytelling.

[@modmoxgoods]

Leonardo has inspired me my whole life. I was diagnosed as aspergers at age 59. I truly believe Leonardo was on the spectrum with his intensity of focus on so many special interests and I try to read everything that has been written about him

[@jrs2024]

Hi. Curious bc I have a 60-yo cousin who might have Aspergers… what caused you to get a diagnosis at 59? And what tests did you do? Thank you for sharing.

[@DanSmith-j8y]

Highly doubtful that he was.

[@modmoxgoods]

taniamarshallconsulting

[@rsjmd]

@@DanSmith-j8y Not doubtful at all...many people are on the "Spectrum" but never realize it b/c as one outgrows the more typical childhood features which stand out to the non spectrum children and adults, the signs and behaviors become more subtle as these individuals become more adept at dealing with themselves and their surroundings.

[@DanSmith-j8y]

@@rsjmd It's pretty tough to diagnose someone who died centuries ago, and there's a tendency to want to diagnose anyone and everyone with any extraordinary abilities as being "on the spectrum", and if he was then he was pretty high functioning - so, yeah, very doubtful.

[@RoseHer5]

Mr Burns, Thank you for all your amazing work❤

[@christophertarr9005]

Kyle, you get to interview my hero while my hero, Ken Burns, gets to tell the history of all our heroes. What a job-thank you for this wonderful exchange. Can’t wait to see it…

[@jmann2977]

To air on PBS Nov.18 and 19, 2024.

[@DCL26]

Thank you for the information

[@aldunlop4622]

Never heard of it. Why don't people advertise these things? I imagine millions of people would want to watch a show about Da Vinci, and won't even know this is happening.

[@brushstroke3733]

​@@aldunlop4622It will probably get some advertising on PBS from now until it shows in November. PBS doesn't really advertise anywhere else because they know the people who watch PBS are mostly regular PBS viewers.

[@jamesthefirst1899]

C'mon

[@blakkmetal-wizkokk]

Can’t wait!

[@cree8vision]

I'm so looking forward to seeing this.

[@cynthiawelton5041]

I could listen to this man for hours !

[@VeronicaAnderson-t2b]

And thankfully we do on PBS 🎉

[@douglassauvageau7262]

Ken Burns ranks among our most legitimate contemporary historians, yet his honesty allows his audience latitude to 'read between the lines'. This latest project illustrates the evolution of modern 'enlightenment' - and the 'hand-off' to a succeeding generation of chroniclers inspires my admiration.

[@susanfay2213]

Wow! I'm so excited to see it!!!

[@virginiatyree6705]

Such a lovely and insightful interview. Looking forward to seeing the film. Thanks for posting.

[@jaminegender5748]

Can’t wait to watch this! I had the pleasure of visiting Leonardo’s Chateau du Clos Lucé in Amboise, France this past April. He finished the Mona Lisa at his Chateau and died there, which is why the Mona Lisa is at the Louvre and not in Italy. He left the painting to a French man. The gardens of the chateau had full size models of his revolving bridge and design for canal. So cool!

[@inknpaintCW]

Looking forward to this film as a fan of both Ken and Leonardo. Nice job with the thoughtful interview.

[@ioanaalina5583]

Had the opportunity to visit the chateau where he lived his last years in France and it was an excellent experience. To lay eyes upon the instruments and designs he surrounded himself with, to step into a fragment of his world... Priceless!

[@brandyjean7015]

Is the chateau open to the public, or were you a fortunate special guest?

[@sunnyhendry7144]

In Amboise France?

[@melaniesmith3954]

Amazing place where Leonardo was invited by the king of France to live out his life. There he put quite a bit of time into war machine inventions as a gift to king Henry

[@melaniesmith3954]

King Charles VIII

[@stuartgarrett5692]

@@brandyjean7015open to public .

[@handyandy6488]

A classic, perfect instance of an earnest conversation - just adopting the interview format. Both participants engaging SO well and so openly. Thank You SO much! We need inspiration like this when so much of our media is filled with destructive negativity.

[@discopants68]

Big fan of both da Vinci and Ken Burns, so I really look forward to this. Would also love to see KB do a series on Rock & Roll.

[@dosesandmimoses]

Mr. Burns- you are an amazing documentarian.. You Rock!

[@frankmalinaro9700]

living in a world where " If it thinks it stinks " Ken Burns is a blessing and a break from " if it bleeds it leads " . Heres to the thinkers , folks who believe in the importance and beauty of eduction and the Arts . He's just Ken ! ........Thank you for being you mr Burns , your genius is appreciated , all you do comes from your heart , we get it.

[@christophertarr9005]

That’s right- Ken F-ing Burns- our National Treasure! He is un-cancellable!

[@sdanen4]

Can’t wait to see this project ❤

[@Danny-fs1hk]

Ken Burns is an absolute ICON!!!

[@richardmorrison1467]

Love Ken Burn’s Documentaries and wait anxiously for this latest discovery! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@jayceewriter7826]

Been staying alive for this. DaVinci is my all time hero.

[@kennethbrandon7007]

As an art history buff I wrote a screenplay in the 1980's that explained how DaVinci was 500 years ahead of his time. When I shopped it around I was told. "No one is interested in Leonardo DaVinci." Maybe it's time?

[@gmaureen]

If you're up to it, try again. Timing is everything.

[@DanSmith-j8y]

He wasn't 500 years ahead of his time.

[@mulemule]

@@DanSmith-j8y Michelangelo? Is that you?

[@Donna-cc1kt]

@@gmaureenor donate to Ken Burns!

[@DanSmith-j8y]

@@mulemule Yo.

[@melaniesmith3954]

I feel so fortunate to have a chance to see this in my lifetime.

[@richoneplanet7561]

Wow how exciting indeed! Burns and da Vinci 👍🏻

[@nancyraboin647]

Possibilities on top of possibilities is open to the unlimited imagination, curiosity and deep creativity. Thank You Ken and your family that calls us tone about.

[@Bvcggdert]

Thrilling! Can't wait! 👏

[@NursingSupervisor-x7u]

I CAN'T WAIT!!

[@gayesekula]

A wonderful interview. I can hardly wait to watch the film.

[@zanasteer]

I became fascinated with Da Vinci after reading a biography of his life as a young teenager back in the 80s. Looking forward to watching the documentary.

[@gerenas59]

One of my child idols....Leonardo da Vinci, Bruce Lee, Benjamin Franklin,Nicolai Tesla and my father Candido Gerena ( fine art painter). Looking fwd to this!!

[@Highcastle_of_Geek]

I read and quite enjoyed Isaacson’s inspiring biography of da Vinci, so I’m looking forward to this!

[@jeaniemeyer8413]

Can't wait to see this documentary on one of my favorite artists of all time. I have been blessed to stand in front of his Mona Lisa in Paris, The Last Supper in Milan and stare into the soul of genius. I have also seen his drawings and models of inventions BEFORE they were invented.

[@rsjmd]

Burns himself is a treasure of course, for many reasons. I'm not a history lover, but he makes it interesting even to me, perhaps for one over-reaching quality-his perspective. Thanks for the interview...thanks Mr. Burns.

[@noralockspeed]

Incredible interview! I feel so honored to be alive at the same time as Mr. Burns. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and perspectives. Perhaps Antoni Gaudí would be deserving of a biography?

[@frankcross6958]

thank you ken burns, the greatest documentary filmmaker ever! and thank you PBS for streaming the davinci movie for free on your site

[@randyrice1429]

So stoked to see this documentary. Have watched a few things about Leonardo and never felt satisfied that the film makers got it.

[@crystalfrancis3211]

Boy! I want to see this film. Can Ken Burns live long enough to make all of historical documentaries that ought to be made? At least the American ones?

[@rosalynlander6019]

I went to Leonardo's tomb in Amboise many years ago. This was just one of the important places I had to go to when I went to Europe.

[@cl0wnsh0es27]

so stoked about this!

[@bmorebob6624]

I could listen to him talk all day long. So intelligent

[@VeronicaAnderson-t2b]

I love Ken Burns🎉 Kudos 👏 to his incredible team. I have learned so much through every documentary he produced. If we had his projects when I was in school we would have a more cognitive collective. I can't wait to view the Da Vinci treatise because he was a Renaissance genius. Coincidentally I reside on DA Vinci Drive and folks have no clue who DA VINCI was. The name doesn't ring a bell. Educate the masses Ken Burns 🎉 Thank you 😊

[@Eliel7230]

" Make your work in keeping with your purpose." -- Leonardo da Vinci

[@Paul-lm5gv]

There was a FABULOUS docu/drama on DaVinci 50 years ago. It was masterfully done. And def. worth watching! The Life of Leonardo da Vinci - TV mini-series (1971)

[@bon47ful]

An amazing man speaking about an uber-amazing man. Can't wait to see the film.

[@judithmurphy419]

Love Ken Burns. So lucky to have such a great American!

[@wchougland1]

I can’t wait…. Leonardo, as with most in his class, is the ability to come up with the question followed by being able to answer

[@Selkirkwater]

Thank you for all your documentaries over the years. Not living in the US, I have not seen them all (logistics) I hope that I can access this one. I’ve had interest in Leonardo for years but my interest was increased by finding Leonardo da Vinci - The First Scientist by Micheal White as I was leaving Firenze. New rabbit holes, I no longer immediately think painter. You are speaking for me in this interview. Thanks again, Mr. Burns for telling all these stories.

[@karlaschmid8757]

Burns uses words so very well.

[@radioazma]

Love caroline shaw and ken's films cant wait to see this!

[@jonny-d5v]

Mr. Burns intended -- I believe -- to state that he did not do "NON-American" topics. See (~00:46). Mr. Kyle Cooks does an excellent job in drawing Mr. Burns out. Thank you, CO PBS.

[@quelizabeth2]

Thank you, Da Vince is such an inspirational person that changed everything he had contact with ❤

[@michaelcalabrese5498]

Fascinating! I can't wait.

[@jakemoeller7850]

This should be interesting! I'm looking forward to seeing the Burns film.

[@sandrajunghall9725]

Awesome and inspiring discussion!❤

[@deniserichardson5965]

Wow behind the scenes is always great. Ken Burns takes it to a whole new level.

[@JustinB-rl6vz]

I really wish David McCullough was still available to do the voice over. He was so great!

[@ald.3387]

Ken Burns is a National Treasure. He should get every civilian award there is, as well as any media/medium awards, honorary or not.

[@lmc2375]

Can't wait. I wish he would do one on Societal Pain, how it transfers, swirls, morphs. Its psychological aspects, the trickle down, domino effect on us all. It's why the world suffers. We need the front and center wake up call to shift it. And throw in a dose of the spiritual to show the connection, how all things do connect. It's rather crucial. 😪

[@kathleenmartin7498]

Love Ken and Leonardo!!

[@stevenalbertwood9090]

Than you all for a lifetime of learning. May it never end.

[@jayneneewing2369]

I can hardly wait to see this!

[@31Alden]

So looking forward to this.

[@athieliagriffin7957]

Fantastic! Can't wait to see it!!!!!

[@robbiewatson8942]

I cannot wait to see this!!

[@missconnie1768]

I love Leonardo!

[@islandbirdw]

There was an era where men like DeVinci were overachievers and that’s an UNDERSTATEMENT. Like many were like Sir Christopher Wren who had more than one career, in one lifetime. Those who grace Saint Paul’s Cathedral plaza DaVinci was very definitely in that category. Artist, painter, paradigm pioneer, physician and experimental scientist all in one lifetime. Wow. Much respect for his dedication to his work.

[@DanSmith-j8y]

Leonardo wasn't a physician or scientist.

[@Alithios]

​@@DanSmith-j8yThankfully!

[@islandbirdw]

@@DanSmith-j8y wrong 😑

[@DanSmith-j8y]

@@islandbirdw Not wrong, and easily checked. I guess that's too much effort for you.

[@islandbirdw]

@@DanSmith-j8y he functioned as a physician by studying the human body back in the 14 century THAT was the closest anyone was to a physician. I don’t care what Wikipedia says.

[@jeanneclark99]

What EXCELLENT questions this interviewer asked. Not the same-old same-old at all. Well done!

[@texasmr]

Im going to LOVE this. I love LDaV !!!

[@jeanneratterman4174]

Leonardo Da Vinci is an enigma. I look forward to this film

[@kasisatya5448]

Mr. Burns I love every single thing you do. The national parks series was fantastic thank you for all your documentaries. Can't wait to see this.

[@Fafafafoolin]

As an artist/scientist myself, I can say that DaVinci has set the bar higher than almost any other singular person to date. The level of focus and mastery is beyond profound!

[@alexanderphd]

I can’t wait to see it. Thanks. Great interview.

[@wminer6567]

This fellow ask really great questions , great work .

[@erpthompsonqueen9130]

Thank you. Watching from Alaska. 🕊

[@DwainDwight]

for sure one of the greatest minds in history. perhaps numero uno.

[@SkywalkerSamadhi]

Da Vinci may be the best human being to ever live. I mean the most complete of what a human being has a potential to be. Probably my favorite anyways.

[@shelbyzold35]

Having just completed Walter Isaacson's extraordinary biography "Leonardo da Vinci," I look forward to Ken Burns' film.

[@happyhabitpodcast]

Da Vinci and Michelangelo were the embodiment of genius, humanity has never surpassed the standards they reached. To think they both died over 500 years ago and yet their influence has been greater than the cumulative output and influence of entire nations since then, it is astounding.