American Masters

History Series / 11 Seasons

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

1h 51m / TV-14

Jonathan Thunder: Good Mythology

14m 11s

Filmmaker Sergio Rapu follows Anishinaabe artist Jonathan Thunder as he dives deep into the inspirations behind his surrealist paintings and animations. From the killing of an iconic American hero to critical perspectives of how indigenous people were portrayed in early children’s cartoons, Thunder’s art prompts viewers to take a critical look at our shared mythologies.

Sydney G. James: How We See Us

15m 33s

Filmmaker Juanita Anderson follows visual artist Sydney G. James, whose bold brush strokes in murals and large-scale paintings amplify the presence of Black women, Black families and Black culture in her hometown of Detroit. Through her work as a mentor and as co-founder of the BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival, James inspires her fellow Detroiters to come together to celebrate their community.

Lily Gladstone: Far Out There

13m 51s

Filmmaker Brooke Pepion Swaney profiles independent film actress Lily Gladstone as she prepares for the release of "Killers of the Flower Moon." Drawing from her childhood on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and her peripatetic life as a professional actor, Gladstone learns to stand on her own two feet in order to make her voice heard.

Jacques Pépin Makes Tuna Tartare

6m 39s

For tuna tartare, Pépin recommends dicing the fish with a knife instead of using a food processor, which tends to make the fish mushy. He serves his tartare with onions, scallions and a garnish of bread and cucumbers.

Jacques Pépin Makes Sautéed Cod with Mushrooms

5m 44s

Cod is a flaky and affordable fish. Jacques Pépin serves his with a garnish of vegetables including mushrooms, scallions, radishes and olives, but it can be made with any leftover vegetables you may have.

Martin Scorsese on the films of John Ford

19m 20s

On February 3, 2006, Martin Scorsese spoke with director Sam Pollard about the partnership between John Ford and John Wayne and how their films have impacted his career. Interview conducted for "American Masters — John Ford / John Wayne: The Filmmaker and the Legend" (2006).

Jacques Pépin Makes Pasta Primavera

5m 32s

This versatile pasta recipe, adapted from Jacques' friend Ed Giobbi, can be tossed with a salad of any vegetables that are in season. Microwaving the veggies helps this dish come together quickly.

Jacques Pépin Makes Lemon Posset for Dessert

4m 16s

This lemon posset is one of Jacques Pépin's simplest recipes. Adapted from Claire Clark the former pastry chef at The French Laundry, this chilled citrus dessert includes blueberries and mint.

Jacques Pépin Makes Ice Cream French Toast

3m 33s

Jacques Pépin adapted this recipe from his time as a breakfast cook at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris. Jacques uses melted vanilla ice cream and bananas here, but any flavor ice cream or fruit would work well.

How Harry Belafonte embraced Black culture in music

16m 49s

On September 21, 1998, Harry Belafonte spoke about the intersection of music and race and the influence that Paul Robeson had on his career and the Black community as a whole. Interview conducted for "American Masters—Paul Robeson: Here I Stand" (1999), directed by St. Clair Bourne.

Tracey Ullman on Mel Brooks' intrinsically American comedy

11m 45s

On July 12, 2012, Tracey Ullman sat down with director Robert Trachtenberg to discuss the joys of working with Mel Brooks for "American Masters - Mel Brooks: Make a Noise" (2013).

Baayork Lee on becoming a Broadway star at age 5

12m 24s

On January 17, 2001, actress and dancer Baayork Lee discussed landing her first role on Broadway at age 5, working with Richard Rodgers and other Broadway greats, and her passion for choreography. Interview conducted for "American Masters: Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds" (2001), directed by Roger Sherman.

I. M. Pei on sculpture

7m 26s

On July 24, 1997, architect I. M. Pei shared his thoughts on the relationship between sculpture and scale, including why abstract sculpture has no limit to scale compared to the lifelike elements of sculptures scaled to the human figure. Interview conducted for "American Masters: Alexander Calder," directed by Roger Sherman.

Gloria Steinem on the legacy of Marilyn Monroe

11m

On February 21, 2006, Gloria Steinem spoke about Marilyn Monroe's lasting legacy, what she represented to women and men, and how the advent of the women's movement could have provided her the support she desperately needed. Interview conducted by Gail Levin, director of "American Masters—Marilyn Monroe: Still Life."

Laura Linney on mastering acting at Juilliard

15m 7s

On March 7, 2000, Laura Linney discussed her time at the prestigious and notorious Juilliard and how it helped shape her as an actor. "I was just lucky that Juilliard accepted me because it was the right program for me. It's not right for everyone, but I was really, really lucky to get in." Interview conducted for "American Masters: Juilliard" (2003), directed by Maro Chermayeff.

Supported by