NPR, The Hollywood Reporter, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast, The New York Times, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Yahoo, Salon.com, TV Insider|4 minute read
Ken Burns Takes on the Renaissance's Bad Boy
Ken Burns, the man who brought the dusty pages of American history to life, is now taking on a subject that’s more Renaissance than red, white, and blue: Leonardo da Vinci. Buckle up, because this four-part PBS documentary is about to blow your mind while also making you question everything you thought you knew about the ultimate polymath.
More Than Just Mona Lisa Smiles
Sure, we all know the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, but how well do we really know the man behind these masterpieces? This new series isn’t just a glorified art history lesson; it’s a deep dive into the psyche of a man whose curiosity knew no bounds. According to NPR, the documentary seeks to strip away the labels and understand Leonardo as a flesh-and-blood human being. Get ready for some serious humanization of a guy who’s been painted as a god for too long.
Burns, Burns, Baby
Ken Burns is the maestro of making history sexy. This time, he’s teamed up with his daughter, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon to show us the underbelly of da Vinci's genius. This isn’t just about paint and canvas; it’s about a man who was as likely to sketch a flying machine as he was to dissect a corpse. Talk about a Renaissance man!
Chronological Chaos
In what feels like an almost four-hour rollercoaster, the series marches through the highlights of da Vinci’s life. But let’s not kid ourselves, this isn't your grandma's documentary. The Hollywood Reporter describes it as a chronological march through time, but the real beauty lies in the chaos of Leonardo’s mind—filled with insatiable curiosity and, dare we say, a bit of madness.
Who Knew Da Vinci Had Game?
Yes, you read that right. In a juicy twist, The Daily Beast spills the beans on da Vinci’s personal life, suggesting he might have been more than just a painter. This documentary doesn’t shy away from the speculation about his sexuality, adding a layer of intrigue that will make you rethink those high school art classes. Who knew the man behind the Mona Lisa had such a colorful palette in life?
Adding Human Texture
What separates this documentary from the rest is its ability to add human texture to the hagiography that often surrounds historical figures. As The New York Times puts it, this two-part series enhances our understanding of da Vinci as a man of contradictions and complexities. Forget the sacrosanct image; it’s time to get down and dirty with the real Leonardo.
Firsts and Foremosts
This documentary marks a significant turning point for Burns. It’s his first foray into a non-American subject, and according to Los Angeles Times, this choice reflects a broader scope of exploration for the director. Who knew that the ultimate Renaissance man would lead Burns to step beyond the borders of the U.S.?
Boundless Curiosity
At the core of USA Today's review is the idea of curiosity—a trait that Leonardo embodied to the fullest. His exploits were not just artistic; they were scientific, anatomical, and even mechanical. This documentary is a love letter to curiosity itself, encouraging us all to dig deeper and ask the hard questions.
Time to Get Your Da Vinci On
So, if you’re ready to see da Vinci stripped of his divine cloak and presented as the flawed genius he was, grab your popcorn and check out Ken Burns' latest masterpiece. It promises to be an exhilarating ride through the life of a man who may have been more human than we ever realized.
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