A Conversation with Lynn Novick on Hemingway, Masculinity, Mythos & Filmmaking

A Conversation with Lynn Novick on Hemingway, Masculinity, Mythos & Filmmaking

In this special episode of Notes From the Back Row, Jenna spoke with Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker Lynn Novick about her latest project with Ken Burns: Hemingway (2021). This three-part, six-hour documentary examines the life and work of Ernest Hemingway, as well dispelling some of the myths that surround this intimidating literary figure. Infamous for his hyper masculine posturing, from his love of bullfighting and big game hunting to his multiple broken marriages, the discrepancies between the man’s writing, his personal and his public life are fairly surprising.

In this episode, Jenna asks Lynn what inspired her to make this film, as well as the draw of Hemingway’s work in general – specifically “A Farewell To Arms,” “The Sun Also Rises” and “Down in Michigan.” They discuss the cage of Hemingway’s masculinity and the case for his modern relevancy despite his troubled personal life, and they also touch upon collaborative filmmaking and Lynn’s rewarding professional partnership with Ken Burns.

Read Jenna’s review of Hemingway or watch Hemingway now on the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel.

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