Watch Caravaggio: The Soul and the Blood

Caravaggio: The Soul and the Blood is a 2018 Italian documentary by directors Jesus Garces Lambert and Michele Mally. The movie delves into the life and work of the famous Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, also known as simply Caravaggio. The film takes the audience on a journey through Caravaggio's influential career and looks at how he revolutionized the art world in the 16th and 17th centuries. The filmmakers use breathtaking visuals - including HD footage, drone shots, and slow-motion sequences - to showcase Caravaggio's masterpieces and highlight the intricacies and nuances of his technique.

The Soul and the Blood combines stunning cinematic imagery with insights from art historians, critics, and curators, who provide a wealth of knowledge about Caravaggio's artistic legacy. The documentary also features interviews with descendants of the painter's patrons and collectors, including figures such as the Prince of Wales, who share their personal connections to Caravaggio's work.

The film uses an unorthodox approach to explore the painter's life and times, covering a range of subjects, from the chain of events that led to his conviction for murder to his relationship with the Church and the controversy surrounding his work. As such, the movie offers a rich and diverse portrait of one of the most fascinating and celebrated painters in history.

The documentary is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Caravaggio's work. Beginning with his early years in Milan, the film looks at the painter's early influences and the development of his style. It also explores the social milieu of the time, highlighting the city's cultural and political significance.

The latter half of the movie deals predominantly with Caravaggio's time in Rome, where he became a celebrated figure in the art world. The film takes a detailed look at his most famous works, such as the Calling of St. Matthew and the Crucifixion of St. Peter, and explores the painter's ground-breaking use of light and shadow.

The Soul and the Blood also contextualizes Caravaggio's legacy, looking at how his influence extended beyond the boundaries of the art world. For example, the film touches on his impact on modern cinema and his role in shaping the aesthetics of contemporary visual culture.

Overall, Caravaggio: The Soul and the Blood is a visually stunning and intellectually engaging documentary that offers a unique insight into one of the most significant painters of all time. The movie is a must-watch for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and its blend of informative analysis and cinematic beauty makes it a compelling viewing experience.

Caravaggio: The Soul and the Blood is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.