Narrator Made Leonardo Da Vinci Live (Press, 2 March 1971)

On 2 March 1971, a review highlighted the compelling nature of Dr Jacob Bronowski's documentary "Tell Me If Anything Was Ever Done," which focused on Leonardo da Vinci's life and contributions. The review praised Bronowski's sensitive narration, which brought depth to the complexities of da Vinci as a historical figure. Living during a tumultuous period marked by fear and obsession, da Vinci was portrayed as an ambitious man seeking knowledge despite societal constraints. The documentary shed light on his innovative spirit, particularly in the study of flight, where he was likened to a "white magician" of nature rather than simply an inventor. The program effectively explored da Vinci's artistic output, such as the "Last Supper" and "Mona Lisa," while delving into his scientific legacy, particularly the intricate drawings from his notebooks that displayed his understanding of anatomy and mechanics. His fascination with flight was a recurring theme; although he conceptualised the modern helicopter, his true interest lay in emulating nature's processes rather than inventing for the sake of technology. In addition to his scientific pursuits, the review mentioned more personal aspects of da Vinci's life, including his sexuality and his professional aspirations, which provided a more rounded view of the man behind the genius. The documentary also included insightful sketches that conveyed da Vinci's views on the corrupt nature of those in power, highlighting the contrast between his lofty ambitions and his societal status. In contrast, the review critiqued another programme called "Scrutiny," which focused on the current Christian scene but failed to engage meaningfully with its subject matter. The approach was deemed overly theatrical and superficial, leading to a missed opportunity to delve into the realities faced by groups like the Salvation Army. The reviewer suggested that the programme could have benefited from a more authentic portrayal of the challenges these social organisations address. Lastly, the review reflected on "Half Hour Story," expressing disappointment at its lackluster conclusion after starting with promise, marking it as an example of how television programming can sometimes fail to deliver a satisfying narrative or resolution. Overall, the review conveyed a blend of admiration for the insightful depiction of da Vinci while also expressing frustration with other contemporary programming that did not live up to expectations.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand