Leonardo
SonyLiv Drama Series
Episodes 8
Rated: 7/10
Imagine an artist par excellence who was an expert in Nature, mechanics, anatomy, physics, architecture and weaponry, to name a few, not to mention an even better designer for machines like the bicycle, helicopter, submarine and military tanks much before they were even concepts!
A series on such a clothed genius can be nothing but enervating and Leonardo in that context is a thriller, tugger and a puller all rolled into one, well, canvas — a stunning canvas of an artist’s life which was full of colours that his brush stroked with eternal brilliance. Illegitimate, unschooled, rebellious and yet one of the foremost Rennaisance artists, Leornado’s life and times were interesting and so is his story, art and nefarious activities which put him under scrutiny and persecution back in the 15th century.
The series on him, simply called, Leornado captures those times with finesse and keeps up the viewer’s longing to continue watching the eight episodes without a break. Sepia shades and smoky environs despicting an underground band of activists and their lives is no mean achievement, but Leonardo is simply tasteful and engaging.
The series takes you through the life of an impossible artist by showing you the stories behind his paintings, his continuous search for perfection and his turbulent relationship with his art as much as his life. Aidan Turner as Leonardo Da Vinci is a natural copy of the real man and he lives his moments with authenticity and elan all through the drama that is well put together by director for six episodes Daneil Percival and rest by Alexis Cahill.
The drama, however, is as close to authenticity as it is to replicating Tuscany, Italy, of those syrupy times when existence was being questioned as were norms. In fact, it looks so real that it could be mistaken for a documentary.