Ken Burns' New Doc Explores the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Washington Post
Ken Burns' new PBS documentary on Leonardo da Vinci spans nearly four hours, exploring the artist's multifaceted career but often indulging in excessive praise. While featuring insights from experts like Carmen Bambach and Martin Kemp, the film misses opportunities for deeper analysis by glossing over controversies such as the authenticity of "Salvator Mundi." The documentary's style is more dynamic than Burns' previous works, yet it remains a largely uncritical celebration of Leonardo's genius, raising questions about the cultural need to idolize historical figures.
