Leonardo

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.

Rating 6.5/7 There's nothing wrong with fictionalizing the life of famous people long ago or with creative anachronisms. When done well, that's absolutely great. So, I have no great sympathy for those who condemn this solely on the basis of fictional licence.

But, for the life of me, I cannot see why this show is even linked to the life of Leonardo. It's not as if it gives any insight into the nature of art, artistic compulsion, sponsorship or even the making of Leonardo's works. Strip away the famous name (and other names of the time) and what you have is a so-so costume mystery about a murder.

The mystery itself--who killed Caterina--scarcely works, in significant part because Freddie Highmore is poorly cast as the inquistor, Stefano Giraldi--a matter of age, script and, perhaps, performance.

Aidan Turner, fine looking and competent actor though he is, also seems miscast, particularly for the young Leonardo in the earlier episodes. He looks too old and he doesn't convey the passion, innocence and hopefulness of a young man embarking on his career. Nor is there any nuance to his responses to the various opportunities and disappointments to come to him. His scenes with Caterina are often awkward or overblown.

To be fair to the cast, they're not given a lot to work with.

So, if you want to see lots of good looking people in luscious costumes and settings, this may be for you. But, that's about all you'll take away from it.

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.

This production is banal beyond belief.

The characters are one dimentional especially Leonardo.

The hair and make up so 21st century, you can almost imagine the hair tongs and as for the actor's artificially whitened teeth!

There is no attempt at any faintly historical dialogue - all in all apalling rubbish.

Visually stunning to look at & Aidan Turner perfectly conveys the sometimes tortured soul of the genius that was Leonardo da Vinci. The chemistry between him & Matilda de Angelis, who plays Caterina, is wonderful. Unfortunately, Freddie Highmore as the detective Giraldi, is totally miscast. It's important to remember it's a drama about Leonardo's life, not a documentary, so don't expect 100% historical accuracy in this series, there are some glaring distortions of the truth. However it is an enjoyable series & certainly worth watching.