Outstanding! Stunning! Superb! Memorable!
I first saw this film when it was telecast by PBS back in the early 70s. I was only 13 years old then, but it captivated me nonetheless. I had always liked Leonardo, but after seeing this documentary, I fell in love with him. Since then, because of this film, I have traveled throughout the USA and Europe, seeking any and all of this work that I might view.
I recently visited his final home and resting place in France, and came within a hair's breath of an original drawing in London (Nothing between me and it but one inch of air space!). Regretfully I passed-up buying a copy of the book that was based on this film when I viewed the Last Supper in Milan 15 years ago. Been kicking myself over that ever since. :-(
Leonardo is an inspiration and this film will fuel any lust that his fans have to know more about the man and his unique visions, thoughts and personality. This account of his life is vividly illustrated, highly detailed, as historically accurate as one can get, and only occasionally sentimental.
Leonardo was an incredible human being, and this program provides a great deal of information about all the amazing facets of his life, along with the personal, political, and artistic challenges that confronted him.
Particularly interesting is the speculation into the background of his mother, Caterina, of whom very little is known. Also well handled was the balanced coverage of his family and professional relationships, including his two disciples, Salai and Francisco Melzi.
The film also provides a ton of information about the historical events that forced him to leave and then later return to Florence and Milan, the political intrigue of the leaders he had to collaborate with, and his bitter rivalry with Michaelangelo. This is a film I can satisfyingly watch over and over again.
DON'T MISS THIS ONE!
