Sherry Media Group
Now on VOD (Amazon Prime link) and DVD
Nearly everything you want to know but were afraid to ask about the last decades of Leonardo da Vinci’s life is charmingly examined in the stop-motion masterpiece, The Inventor. I couldn’t spot anything that’s worth critiquing on since it’s so perfect in keeping me entertained. Not only does it have an internal rhythm like a nursery rhyme to entertain kids, but also just most of his diagrams and art gets blended in are very dreamlike.
Its whimsical style is as eye-catching as a Cartoon Saloon movie, and without Stephen Fry, I’d probably pass on viewing it. He knows how to keep an audience engaged and is no stranger to providing character voices. When considering his huge resume (which includes The Canterville Ghost), he’s just everywhere, delighting audiences with his performances. The plot, if there is one, really concerns how The Maestro managed to stay out of trouble. Although this movie doesn’t recount his early life, just where it comes in is at the height of his desire to reform Western Civilization.
I loved every animated moment and the music was very spirited. I was surprised at how well everything came together, and wanted to reach for the pause button to study the details. Also, there was something in the narrative hinted that he wanted to reach out and touch god, much like how a certain Michelangelo painting hangs high in the Sistine Chapel. And although he becomes a bit of a one note personality because of his desire to find “What is the meaning of it all?” that’s because his opponents are becoming fiercer in their demands. He must go into hiding.
Whether that truly plagued the person during his twilight years, I’m sure that’s best saved for another story. I’m also certain that this dramatised account is more about how he wants to open his eyes to the world and why he wants to share it.
I get the sense writer/director Jim Capobianco wanted a movie to inspire. Instead of leaving the theatre with a well made film, he wants us to smell the roses. We should all embrace life. As for all that science stuff, let’s learn for ourselves rather than simply google it up. Back then, learning was discouraged and kept in the vaults, and in this work, we see the hero encouraging others to open their eyes too.
And if Leonardo found the answer to the greatest mystery, we still don’t know. Until scientists find a means to communicate with alternate worlds (and crack the code on whether people truly die or simply move on to a higher plane of existence, which is really what this movie is about), we’ll still never know. Hopefully the distributor will offer a 4K release of this title down the road, because for now the DVD isn’t enough to showcase just how wonderful this film is.
5 Stars out of 5
The Inventor Movie Trailer
