168. Leonardo - The Works; movie review
LEONARDO - THE WORKS
Cert U
101 mins
BBFC advice: Contains no material likely to harm or offend
We watch a lot of movies but how much genuine culture do we shove down our necks?
No, I don't mean Peppa Pig or even Jack Reacher... they might be modern-day icons but I doubt they will pass the test of time. Unlike Leonardo Da Vinci.
We mused, as we watched Phil Grabsky's movie, whether Da Vinci would have realised just how long his fame would have stuck when he was painted the likes of The Last Supper.
Even the most roughneck philistine knows of the great master's work which hangs in a monastery refectory in Milan.
Indeed, it must be the second most recognised painting in the world after the Mona Lisa.
Both are examined among the paintings and drawings which are deemed by experts to be his very best.
Lady with an Ermine, Ginevra de’ Benci, Madonna Litta, Virgin of the Rocks, and more than a dozen others are also featured.
Meanwhile, Grabsky's film also looks at how Leonardo’s life entwined with the famous works.
It spins through his childhood, as the illegitimate son of a well-to-do businessman who lived on the edge of Florence and passes on to his apprenticeship during which some of his first canvas contributions were painted.
We were gobsmacked to realise that this was the period when artists were just transferring from egg to oil. Dav Vinci was leading discovery on many levels.
I always look forward to Grabsky's documentaries - in recent times I have learned much about the likes of Mozart, Chopin and, in the past, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Vermeer through his film about The Girl With the Pearl Earring.
This, as suggested in its title, enlightens us about Da Vinci's work but both Mrs W and I were left salivating for more details about his life.
We were only treated to a few juicy morsels when we really wanted the full feast.
Nevertheless, The Works is still worth watching because it allows us to marvel at an unsurpassed talent.
Reasons to avoid: Quite academic
Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Did you know? Leonardo Da Vinci was nearly executed after he was arrested along with several of his male companions on the allegations of sodomy, a crime punishable by death in 15th century Florence. His case was dismissed when no witnesses came forward during the court hearings.
The final word. Phil Grabsky: "I think one always has to think hard about the technologies that artists have to hand – and especially what is new. The most significant development for Leonardo was the arrival of oil paints to Italy (from the north). What Leonardo then does with this new way of painting was quite extraordinary." Jackson's
0 Response to "168. Leonardo - The Works; movie review"
Posting Komentar