This is another superb contribution from art historian Waldemar Januszczak - check out his DVD documentary on Vincent Van Gogh (
Vincent - The Full Story [DVD]) for instance to discover how good his TV programmes for the BBC and Channel 4 actually are...
This time, he discusses the Sistine Chapel, a subject he's also written a book about (
Sayonara, Michelangelo: Sistine Chapel Restored and Repackaged).
The DVD title really says it all: "The Michelangelo Code". Makes you think of Dan Brown's book
The Da Vinci Code, doesn't it? (You've at least seen the movie version (
The Da Vinci Code [2006] [DVD]) with Tom Hanks.) Well, this documentary tackles the secret message hidden... inside the Vatican City's Sistine Chapel. Only, this time, it's real, not fiction: Januszczak actually proves his stunning conclusions down to the last detail!
I won't give away what it is he discovers about Michelangelo's painted ceiling admired by hundred thousands of tourists each year: it would ruin your watching experience and you wouldn't believe me anyway.
All I can say is: this is a must see for both art lovers and fans of Dan Brown - which at the end of the day shows just how colorful the history of the Catholic Church has been...
