Inside the Mind of Leonardo da Vinci With Director Ken Burns and Composer Caroline Shaw

Thu Nov 14 05:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Ken Burns’ “Leonardo da Vinci” Explores the Genius’s Wonder-Filled Mind

**Los Angeles, CA** – Ken Burns’ latest documentary, “Leonardo da Vinci,” debuts on PBS stations nationwide on November 18-19, offering a captivating exploration of the Renaissance polymath’s life through the lens of his insatiable curiosity.

Over four hours, viewers are treated to a journey through Leonardo’s mind, thanks to the insights of scholars, artists, filmmakers, and surgeons, all woven together by an original score from composer Caroline Shaw. Shaw’s music, also released as an album by Nonesuch Records, serves as a bridge between the sparse historical details of Leonardo’s life and his remarkable achievements.

“Leonardo” is a departure for Burns, known for his sweeping American historical documentaries. It is the first time he has tackled a non-American subject, and the filmmakers note that this is the first documentary to cover Leonardo’s life from birth to death.

Due to limited historical records, the filmmakers focused on Leonardo’s extensive notebooks, using his drawings and technical writings as a roadmap through his thought processes. “We wanted to put the audience inside Leonardo’s head,” explained director David McMahon.

The inclusion of music was crucial from the beginning. “When we’re looking at a notebook page and trying to connect to that moment in Leonardo’s life, it’s the music that keeps us there,” said director Sarah Burns.

Shaw, whose style she describes as blending “17th century, 1980s pop music, and everything in between,” found a perfect harmony with Leonardo’s spirit. Her score, a blend of modern classical with a timeless quality, perfectly encapsulates the wonder and joy inherent in Leonardo’s pursuit of knowledge.

The film is striking in its focus on Leonardo’s wonder and fascination, rarely dwelling on conflict or controversy. While moments of strife and moral ambiguity are present, they are not the primary focus. This approach, according to Sarah Burns, was a deliberate choice to avoid speculation in the absence of concrete historical data.

“Leonardo da Vinci” avoids the pitfalls of genius worship and presents a tangible portrait of a life that, despite its improbability, resonates deeply with viewers. The film ultimately underscores the universal struggle to finish what we start, a sentiment echoed in Leonardo’s own despairing question: “Does anyone finish anything?”