Da Vinci and the Code He Lived By (History Channel)

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The "code" referred to in the History Channel's Da Vinci and the Code He Lived By has nothing to do with theories about the High Renaissance master's involvement with secret societies (as explored in Dan Brown's bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code). Instead, it refers to Da Vinci's implacable work ethic, his insatiable curiosity and the talent and discipline required to keep his busy mind satisfied. Da Vinci reminds us that the great engineer, inventor, and painter was born illegitimate and was not entitled to use his father's name, let alone the latter's financial resources or reputation within Florence. A long stint as student in a respected studio earned Da Vinci his first renown during a treacherous time in Florence. He was denounced as a sodomist by an unknown enemy; fortunately, the charges were dropped. Da Vinci went on to find patronage for his art, if not for the engineering marvels and weapons designs that (few know today) so preoccupied him. This History Channel documentary explores every major chapter in Da Vinci's life, including his patronage by the bloodthirsty Cesare Borgia, his passion for studying human anatomy (and the legacy his research left to scientists), and his certainty that one day human beings would fly. As for the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, sure: Such masterpieces are discussed at length. But they're not dissected for hidden meanings. --Tom Keogh

Description

Renowned as the "Mind of the Renaissance," the genius of Leonardo da Vinci reaches beyond the centuries. Painter, sculptor, engineer, and scientist, in each field Leonardo da Vinci was both master and pioneer. Creator of some of the world's great artistic masterpieces, such as the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa, he was also a visionary whose fantastic inventions would become reality only hundreds of years after his death. Against a backdrop of 15th century Italian opulence, DA VINCI AND THE CODE HE LIVED BY follows the original Renaissance man through glittering palaces of merchant princes, accusations of blasphemy, and whispers of betrayal and romance--all to satisfy a limitless desire for knowledge. From the producers of Islam: Empire of Faith and Barbarians, and available on DVD for the first time ever, DA VINCI AND THE CODE HE LIVED BY tells the remarkable story of one man's boundless talent, his towering legacy, and his courage in the face of powerful adversity. DVD Features: Behind-the-Scenes Featurette "History in the Making: Da Vinci"; 16:9 Widescreen Format; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Customer Reviews:

Painfully De-Gayed, but Generally Good.......2006-12-29

The title of this work clearly references Dan Brown's hyper-successful novel. However, the work never mentions Mr. Brown and people need to learn that Da Vinci was an amazing man in his own right. Rotten Library Page starts off saying, "He didn't have a [expletive] code!"

I usually hate, hate, hate cheesy historical reenactments. This work is made entirely of reenactments, but they are not bothersome. There are more actors than usual. They were ornate clothing. When giving their lines, they speak Italian (though a boy Leonardo says "Mother" when I am so sure that's not how "mother" is said in Italian). It was more gory than what is usually portrayed in this cable channel's productions. Truthfully, it would have been boring just to see Renaissance paintings and the narrator mentions that no one knows for sure what Da Vinci looked like.

Too many people assume that artists are separate from the world and don't care about the power struggles taking place outside their windows. I applaud this work for contextualizing the times in which Da Vinci lived. History buffs may appreciate this work just as much as art or invention fans.

This work is de-gayed in a cowardly manner. The narrator says, "Da Vinci was accused of sodomy, but acquitted." Homophobic viewers could misconstrue this to mean that Da Vinci didn't love other males. The work never points out that Da Vinci never had girlfriends, wives, or children. Later, the narrator calls Salai and Melzi "assistants," rather than "lovers" or at least eremenos. Notable Names Database and Wikipedia clearly indicate that these males were Da Vinci's lovers. Perhaps the documentary makers were also squeamish about the cross-generational dynamic of these couplings, given present and necessary concerns about child abuse. It also stands out that one modern interviewee is a man with an earring in his right ear, but he never speaks about himself.

In all fairness, the work covers a lot within a limited time. They mention Da Vinci's anatomical studies, that he might have had ADD, and that he may be the subject of the Mona Lisa painting. In general, I loved learning more about this important genius and gay historical figure.

Average customer rating:

Leonardo da Vinci--A genius for the ages
Worth seeing... heed the reviews here.
Be Sure To Buy The VHS Version, NOT the DVD!
Warning!: Bastardized Leonardo
An excellent drama based on Leonardo da Vinci's life

The Life of Leonardo Da Vinci
Starring: Philippe Leroy , Giulio Bosetti , Ann Odessa , Glauco Onorato , and Filippo Scelzo
Director: Renato Castellani
Manufacturer: Questar
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000950XR
Release Date: 2003-04-01

Customer Reviews:

Leonardo da Vinci--A genius for the ages.......2007-05-09

I first saw this drama-documentary more than 30 years ago on Armed Forces Television in Germany. I have been looking for it on tape or, recently DVD ever since.

The film was made in Italy, I believe, and done very well. Leonardo da Vinci is shown through all the stages of his life, as a young boy, through his apprenticeship, and subsequent career as artist, designer, engineer, and advisor.

Ever the curious, observant perfectionist, da Vinci watches the world and wonders why it works as it does. His efforts to make machines that fly, machines that are invulnerable to gunfire, walls that are impregnable, and art that sets new standards in the world, changed the way the world saw itself.

Da Vinci remains, to this day, an enigmatic figure, misunderstood and aloof from the society he worked to improve.

This is an excellent documentary for schools and families alike. I highly recommend "The Life of Leonardo da Vinci."

Worth seeing... heed the reviews here........2006-05-10

I'm so glad I read the reviews before purchasing! I originally intended to buy this series on DVD, but when I read on Amazon that some of the original film had been omitted on the DVD version, I decided to go with the VHS version (if it's unavailable here, try ebay). I cannot imagine this series being nearly as enjoyable or informative without the narrator. Thanks to the other reviewers for their advice!

Be Sure To Buy The VHS Version, NOT the DVD!.......2006-01-02

My wife told me about having seen this series about Leonardo Da Vinci when she was a child. It had stuck with her for over 30 years, and she dearly wanted to see it again. After doing some research on The Internet Movie Database, we determined this was the series she had seen. At first, I ordered the DVD edition. Then, I read the reviews. (I know. I did this in the wrong order.) When I read that the narrator had been cut out of the DVD version, I asked my wife about it. She told me that the narrator was one of the best elements of the series! I immediately cancelled the previous order, and ordered the VHS edition instead. Boy, am I glad! I can't imagine this series being anywhere near as good without the character of the narrator who walks through the scenes and interacts with some of the historical characters. The narrator is a charming, creative, and essential element of this series. Cutting the character out of the DVD edition was sheer idiocy!

Warning!: Bastardized Leonardo.......2005-11-27

I would normally write a much longer review of this DVD, given the subject matter, AND would have given it 5 Stars. But, considering that this release by Questar is pointlessly a cut up, BASTARDIZED version of the original mini-series (which can still be had in its entirety on VHS, also from Questar), I am forced to focus more on what's wrong with this particular release, rather than extoll the astonishing merits of the wonderful film. Please avoid this version at all costs, and if you can, get the full version on VHS. Questar has cut out some of the best moments of this film series for no valid reason I can discern - maybe just to save 2 bucks on the overall package price. They have done great damage to this film, by removing, amongst other key scenes, the important in-story narrator. This element added much charm and charisma to an already fasicinating film - and was one of the many reasons it is, in its original form, so enchanting. Removing the in-story narrator also necessitated removing some key speculations concerning important areas of Leonardo's life and thought. I, personally, am glad I still have my VHS copy, and would like to submit a separate review on that one. This one, you can skip.

An excellent drama based on Leonardo da Vinci's life.......2005-11-17

This 1972 series is an excellent drama based on the Italian Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci's life, with many of his inventions and paintings profiled and explained in detail. The camera work is excellent, and the locations where this was filmed - I presume in northern Italy - create an authentic atmosphere. Costumes, props, and acting are all first rate. This was originally a co-production between a Chicago TV company and one in Milan, Italy, and the actors are Italian, but there are English overdubs, which are sometimes noticeable, but not distracting, at least not so to me.

Philippe Leroy, an actor I've never encountered before, plays Leonardo da Vinci as an adult. He shows the serious, at times almost dour side of Leonardo the genius, constantly involved in an invention or painting. Leonardo has a huge burden for the inventions he creates, and terrific commitment to the princes and dukes he serves. One wonders in our more egalitarian age if the royalty Leonardo worked for felt a similar sense of commitment to him.

The narrator interjects different theories about Leonardo's life and inventions, attempting to dispel some myths which arose over the 5 centuries since Leonardo's time (he died in 1519, in the service of the French King Frances, considered an enemy by many of the Italian princes, and Leonardo was a native Italian.) One such myth is that Leonardo, considered a "King" in a sense because of his genius, died in the arms of the King of France, since proven to be more legend than real event.

I bought this VHS series in 1990, and have enjoyed it from time to time ever since. Picture, color and sound quality are all very good. Highly recommended for students of history, Renaissance painting, or anyone who likes biographies of great men of history, of which Leonardo was an excellent example: serving humanity with his genius.

Average customer rating:

The Secret Life of Leonardo Davinci
Starring: Secret Life of Leonardo Da Vinci
Manufacturer: Highland Ent.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000CZ0PX0
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Average customer rating:

Life of Leonardo Da Vinci

Manufacturer: Versatil
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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