Watch David McCullough: Painting with Words

David McCullough: Painting with Words is a captivating documentary film that follows the life and work of one of America’s greatest historians, David McCullough. Directed by four-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Paul Barnes, the film is a collage of interviews, archival footage, and his own memorable speeches that brings to life the story of a man who has dedicated his life to studying and sharing the stories of American history.

Born in 1933 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, David McCullough is a prominent historian and bestselling author. With a PhD in English literature, he started his career as a professional writer after serving as an editor for the Yale Daily News in the 1950s. His first book, The Johnstown Flood, published in 1968, was a historical account of the catastrophic flood that rocked the small Pennsylvania town in 1889.

Over the years, McCullough’s work has focused mainly on moments of American history that are often overlooked or forgotten. His meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and his ability to bring historical figures to life have helped him win numerous awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the National Book Award.

Through a series of interviews, we get to know David McCullough better, as he shares stories from his life and career. His wife, Rosalee, and his children also share their own perspectives, offering a more intimate look at the man behind the books.

The film highlights David McCullough's relationship with history and his deep love for the subject. Using footage from his many appearances on television, we see how he exhibits a natural flair when it comes to storytelling. Some of the events he narrates include the Brooklyn Bridge’s construction, the Wright brothers' flying machine, and the building of the Panama Canal.

Throughout the film, David McCullough talks about the relevance of history and how it helps us shape our future. He shares his views on education and the importance of involving young people in the study of history so they can better understand their place in the world.

The film also provides an interesting insight into the creative process behind McCullough’s work. He admits that writing is a struggle, often referring to his first drafts as “horrible.” We are taken through his painstaking routine of note-taking, research, and writing, and we see how he perceives writing to be like painting with words, where the goal is to create a vivid, lifelike painting that will tell a story that will captivate the reader.

One of the most moving moments in the film is when McCullough talks about the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers. In a heartfelt speech, he tells the story of the brave men and women who risked their lives on that fateful day. His voice, choked up with emotion, brings to life the fear and uncertainty that engulfed the nation in the wake of the attacks.

Overall, David McCullough: Painting with Words is a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to one of America’s most celebrated historians. Through his work, David McCullough has helped to shape our understanding of American history and has shown us how we can learn from the past in order to create a brighter future. Whether you are a history buff or just someone who appreciates good storytelling, this film is certain to resonate with you.

David McCullough: Painting with Words is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.