Benjamin Franklin

Titled "Benjamin Franklin," PBS's 2022 series seeks to delve deep into the life and times of one of the most influential figures of American history. This two-part documentary is an immersive, engaging journey into the world of Franklin, a polymath who donned multiple hats — from that of an inventor and writer to a statesman and diplomat. Helmed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, this illuminating piece of work uncovers the multi-faceted life of Benjamin Franklin, painting an intricate portrait of a complex man who has greatly shaped the American ethos.

The documentary starts by portraying Franklin’s humble beginnings in Boston and his initial years as an apprentice in his brother's printing business. The narrative then transitions through his pioneering stint as a printer and publisher in Philadelphia, his inventive endeavors, his steadfast commitment to public service, and his significant role in the American Revolution and the crafting of the U.S. Constitution. It also touches upon his personal life, including his familial relationships, friendships, and contradictions.

One of the key distinguishing features of this series is that it anchors around newly discovered research and scholarship. This insight, accompanied by Burns' signature storytelling style, lends a fresh perspective on Franklin. It considers him not only as a Founding Father and leading intellectual of the Enlightenment era but also discusses his personality, humanity, failures, and triumphs in an earnest light. It offers an unfiltered view of Franklin that transcends the often one-dimensional image typically invoked in popular American culture.

The show's structure is rooted in Burn's intuitive storytelling style which is a mix of historians providing enlightening commentary and selected readings from Franklin's extensive correspondence and iconic autobiography. Actor Mandy Patinkin lends his voice to bring Franklin’s sentiments alive, capturing the intelligence, wit, and sense of wonder that characterized Franklin’s personality. Meanwhile, the stunning visuals, archival imagery, and stirring background score, erring on the side of modest and understated, work collectively to enhance the storytelling.

Furthermore, "Benjamin Franklin" brings forth previously unknown facets of his life such as his unparalleled curiosity, his relentless pursuit of knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to public good underlining the desideratum of "doing well by doing good." It also explores his pivotal role in fostering scientific and philosophical dialogue and his contributions to an evolving American identity.

Arguably, Benjamin Franklin was a man of complex contradictions, and this series makes no attempt to gloss over them. It dives deep into contentious aspects of his life: his strained relationships with his loyalist son and his illegitimate son, his ownership of slaves, his later role in the abolitionist movement, and his diplomacy efforts in France. By scrutinizing these quirks and flaws, the series paints a comprehensive and nuanced picture of who Franklin was as a man and as an admirable historical figure, providing room for critical thinking and interpretation.

Ken Burns has a legacy of animating history with his masterful documentaries, and "Benjamin Franklin" is no exception. The documentary's extensive research and genuine reverence for its subject, coupled with the dissenting voices of expert historians, breathes life into the vestiges of Franklin's legacy. Moreover, Burns' conscious choice to include perspectives from multiple viewpoints and cultures ensures a fair and balanced portrayal of one of America's most notable figures.

In essence, "Benjamin Franklin" is as much a study of the man as it is a study of the formative years of the United States itself. Burns' documentary is an exploration of Franklin's cultural and intellectual legacy that begot the "American dream," an ideal rooted in the belief in the possibilities of social mobility and successful personal development through hard work and perseverance.

Overall, this intimate exploration of Benjamin Franklin's life is a commendable effort by PBS, guaranteed to enlighten and engage viewers. By providing a multi-layered perspective of this significant historical figure, the series transcends the boundaries of a traditional biographical documentary. It can be seen as a living narrative - chronicling Franklin's life, his ingenious, his foibles, and his multifaceted contributions to the establishment of modern America - a testament to the timeless relevance of history's lessons.