Title Leonardo Format DVD Year of release 2003 Producer BBC, UK
Over the last few years Leonardo da Vinci has once again become a popular cultural icon, this time thanks to prolific author Dan Brown and Hollywood honchos. Despite this seeming popularity, there is little that a lay person would know about this great Renaissance figure, barring his scientific inventions and a penchant for the cryptic. If you want an insight into this multi-faceted and multi-talented historical giant, then you should get a hold of a DVD copy of Leonardo, a 2003 documentary produced by the BBC. Presented by Alan Yentob, this 3-part series brings alive the life and work of da Vinci through dramatisations and modern reconstructions. Imminently watchable, it traces the ups and downs of this genius's life right from his childhood to his self-imposed exile in France. It recounts his tenuous relationship with the Church, his rivalry with the rising star of the day: Michelangelo, his midnight venturing to procure cadavers to learn anatomy among many other lesser known aspects of his, at times troubled, life.
The documentary, with the help of modern day experts and state-of-the-art technology, creates real-life models of gadgets sketched in the margins of da Vinci's diaries to test the validity of his inventions. These include a parachute, armoured warfare vehicle, glider, and an underwater diving suit. Made using materials that would approximate most closely with those available in da Vinci's day, each of these gadgets turns out to work perfectly under modern conditions, convincing us once again of his complex thinking and absolute genius.
While hooked by these elements, what really captures the attention of the viewer is the poignant telling of the story and the speculation behind Mona Lisa, reputed to be da Vinci's personal favourite from all his works. Having watched this, the next visit to the Louvre might be more than just about photographing this famous painting.
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