Secrets of the Mona Lisa

Secrets of the Mona Lisa is a riveting 2015 documentary that delves into the inscrutable world of one of the most scrutinized paintings in history. The film was directed by Ian Leese and highlights the expertise of art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon, Mona Lisa specialist Giuseppe Pallanti, and celebrated author and historian Jean-Pierre Isbouts who collectively attempt to decode the aura of intrigue that shrouds this 16th century masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci.

This BBC production, with a runtime of 59 minutes, travels across Italy, France, and the U.S. in search of definitive answers. It combines innovative uses of technology, meticulous research, and engaging interviews with leading figures in the art world, and in doing so, provides viewers with an immersive experience into the life, timeline, and the enigmatic identity of the woman behind the iconic painting.

Andrew Graham-Dixon, renowned as one of the leading art critics and presenters of arts television in the English-speaking world, leads this investigative journey. He attempts to channel into his extensive knowledge, braiding together the strands of historical context, artistic technique, and biographical evidence/conjectures. He opens an insightful discourse on Leonardo da Vinci's life, his renowned genius that enabled him to embed subliminal but significant details in his work, and how these might have contributed to the beguiling charm of the Mona Lisa.

The film also features Giuseppe Pallanti, a self-educated historian from Italy, who has spent more than a quarter century probing the archives for any scrap of information that could shed light on the identity of Mona Lisa. He brings to the table some fascinating theories and facts, presenting interesting perspectives that challenge popular belief about the iconic painting and its subject.

Joining this explorative expedition is Jean-Pierre Isbouts, a doctoral professor at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara and author of several best-selling books. Leveraging on his erudition in art history and his narrative prowess, he contributes to the dialogue by discussing the wider social and cultural contexts of the period when the painting was created, enhancing the viewers understanding of this timeless artwork and its creator.

What elevates Secrets of the Mona Lisa as a documentary is the incorporation of the latest technology. The film boasts an array of sophisticated scientific analysis, including 3D scans, infra-red imaging, and multi-spectral analysis to dissect the painting layer by layer. These provide an unprecedented scope to analyse the method behind da Vinci’s brush strokes, the addition or omission of key details over time, and how these modifications might reflect upon the perspective and psyche of the artist.

As the film delves deep into the technical aspects of the Mona Lisa, it seamlessly maintains the engagement factor through its stimulating visual storytelling. It presents the audience with side-by-side comparisons, crisp animations illustrating the differences discovered by the technology, and breath-taking location shots, making it a treat both for history enthusiasts and lovers of visual artistry.

Predictably, the film does not claim to provide a full unravelling of the myriad Mona Lisa puzzles. Yet its beauty lies in articulating the unsaid, opening intriguing new directions of thought, and the ability to ignite an even deeper wonderment towards the mystifying allure of Mona Lisa. Embark on this captivating exploration of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece with Secrets of the Mona Lisa and be engrossed by the thrilling account of the world’s most famous work of art. This is more than just a glimpse into the painting – it’s a journey into the heart of an enigma and all the mysteries that lie within.