Burns discovered racism as a overriding theme in his Jazz work. Both the Jazz and Baseball works would’ve been half-hour shows if the word “racism” would’ve been removed. I think that this was lampooned in FR among other places.
Burns is now like a music act whose producers found a “sound” that it could sell, and now replicate that song a dozen times (think “Air Supply” and “REO Speedwagon”). This is sad, because the Civil War work was by far the best for Burns.
Burns is very skilled. I find his work compelling -- but it really irks me that everything seems to revolve around how blacks have been treated in America.
There is more to the American story than race relations. To some extent, despite his vast talent as a film-maker, Burns is a one-note wonder. Now he appears to be hoist on his own petard.
“Civil War” was reaking with racism, of course, too. And that was 1st. He found that theme right away and ALWAYS pushes it. Especially as it relates to America.
Poor self-flagellating white American boy.
BeeGees, anyone?
He shoulda quit after "Civil War". He will never do better than that.