Leonardo

I am only half-way through but enjoying this series tremendously. Firstly, the history. Having studied the life and works of Leonardo Da Vinci, I know more than many about his life. I discovered some time ago that there are not even two academic books which interpret the man or his work in matching ways. This is because Leonardo is an immensely difficult character to pin down due to scant primary sources. Therefore, I am impressed by how the creators have taken the few historical details available to us of Leonardo's life and personality and built a psychological profile of a living, breathing character in order to access the mind of the genius. It's very cleverly done and mostly seems to be inspired from his diaries and notebooks. Some viewers have forgotten this is a drama not a documentary therefore it must have a beginning, middle and end with twists and turns like all great dramas do. I believe the producers have captured a fascinating version of the spirit of Leonardo as well as portraying many little known facts and events of his life. Secondly, the drama itself: beautiful, passionate and human, just like the man. What a marvellous series to lose yourself in.

There bas been much debate about how this series has been fictionalized, with any drama you have to accept that this is a story, and it does not have to be100% accurate, in the way that a documentary is. I really do not understand people who will score a series only one, when if you split apart the components that go to make a series like this, you would score way above that. It pays not to have unrealistic expectations when you approach something historical. The other thing is of course that although Leonardo Da Vinci left some amazing artworks, we know surprisingly little about his life.

I really enjoyed this series. You don't have to be artistic to appreciate the loving detail that went into creating the stories around each of his artworks, and the immense talent he undoubtedly had. Aidan Turner embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, and whilst he probably won't get nominated for any major awards, he can be proud of his work, as can the supporting cast. They created an interesting story, with beautiful sets and an appreciation for the depth of his contribution to art, and I think that counts for a lot.

Maybe, it is not the biographic series who you expect. But it is beautiful and well acted and comfortable and far by huge innovations. Not the accuracy of events, not pledge for a theory or other, not the eulogy of the great genius are purpoises of it. But a honest story around a presumed murder, having as basic virtue the beautiful cinematography and the inspired work of Aidan Turner. Sure, many sins, from too sentimental scenes to not the best dialogues in some episodes or the torture for brave Freddie Highmore in the most bizarre role of his career. But it is beautiful, for so many motives, it is just beautiful. Not impressive, not great, not memorable. Only the honest sketch who reminds, give some smiles, propose not the most convincing but not so bad explanations, reminds the war between artist and world, reminds the miracle of beauty around us and becomes, episode by episode, a sort of oasis, with flavour of old fashion series. So, real beautiful sketch.

Now I did quite enjoy this rather loose interpretation of the life of Leonardo Da Vinci, but somehow the thing seemed very uncertain as to whom it's audience is/was. It certainly lacks the creative punch of the first season of Tom Riley's "Da Vinci's Demons" (2013) or the familial charm of "Bridgerton" man of the moment Jonathan Bailey's 2011 television series. This seems just too gentile a reflection on the lives and loves of this creative genius. It dwells not on his presumed hedonistic lifestyle; it focuses little on his engineering and artistic prowess and his interesting relationships with the Medici are ignored almost entirely. To be fair, much of the "history" surrounding this man is glorified fable, we actually know a lot less than we assume about his life, but somehow this iteration is little better than an outing for Turner (and his ever changing beard) with little emphasis on his genius - indeed, little enough emphasis on anything substantial, really. Eight parts tell us very little about what made this undoubtedly complex man tick and whilst I wasn't expecting a Showtime sex-fest; I was expecting something a little more interesting/educational/entertaining. Production standards are high but the writing and overall direction condemn it to mediocrity. Shame, it reminded me a little of "Reign" (2013) - the equally sterile depiction of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Very interesting show. Well cast except for Freddie Highmore. He seems to be playing a renaissance Shawn Murphy (The Good Doctor) with a beard and a British accent. His character just doesn't fit in. Is it nepotism if you are the executive producer? Selfotism? Please Freddie, you are a great actor, just not in this role.