The spectacular sculptures and paintings of Michelangelo seem so familiar to us, but what do we really know about this renaissance genius? Who was this ambitious and passionate man? A virtuoso craftsman, Michelangelo’s artistry is evident in everything he touched. Beautiful and diverse works such as the towering statue of David, the deeply moving Pietà in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter and his tour-de-force, the Sistine Chapel ceiling still leave us breathless today. Spanning his 89 years, Michelangelo – Love and Death, takes a cinematic journey from the print and drawing rooms of Europe, through the great chapels and museums of Florence, Rome and the Vatican to explore the tempestuous life of Michelangelo. We go in search of a greater understanding of this most charismatic figure, his relationship with his contemporaries and his valuable artistic legacy. Through expert commentary and Michelangelo’s own words, this film takes a fresh look at an enigmatic man whose life is celebrated in every mark and every stroke he made. A giant artistic force and universally loved, discover why Michelangelo is without a doubt one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance – and perhaps of all time.

"I was surprised recently to see in a poll of who is considered the greatest artist of all time that it wasn’t Monet, Leonardo or Van Gogh but Michelangelo. I remember watching ‘Agony & Ecstasy’ as a kid and loving both the documentary start to the film (bizarre by Hollywood standards but great) and the core story of Michelangelo and Pope Julius II. But I didn’t feel he was the greatest artist. Nor when I actually visited the Sistine Chapel did I feel that. The endless queues and crowds took the edge off it as, to be frank, did the overwhelming and therefore rather underwhelming paintings on the ceiling and wall – I couldn’t focus, couldn’t appreciate. But I also went to see the Pietá in St. Peter’s. For me, that was one of those breath-taking moments; literally where I forget to breathe so overawed am I by the extraordinary nature of the art I am witnessing. It left me wanting, one day, to make a Michelangelo film for the cinema. That’s what we have now done. This film is not based on any exhibition - we simply wanted to make a broad biographical film. To show you
as much of his art as possible – and explain the whys, whens and whos. I think I have always fallen in to the Leonardo camp when weighing up who was the greater of these Renaissance masters. But this film – directed by my good friend and colleague David Bickerstaff – gave me the opportunity to look again at familiar works like the Sistine Chapel, David, the Pietá and also lesser known works like the Crouching Boy or even the Laurentian Library and its amazing staircase. My conclusion – having worked on this film, having watched this film many times, is that, actually, maybe Michelangelo does indeed deserve to be considered the greatest artist of all time. You can make your own mind up – and certainly let us know via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter – but one thing I dare to bet on is that there will be at least one, hopefully more than one, moment where you are so stunned by the quality of his art that you might just, for a second, forget to breathe." Phil Grabsky, Director

[Not Available in Italy, Spain & Poland]