Caravaggio review – articulate and intelligent portrait of the art titan’s life and work

The latest addition to the Exhibition on Screen series, 'Caravaggio,' offers a fresh and articulate exploration of the life and work of the renowned artist. Directed by David Bickerstaff and Phil Grabsky, the film stands out for its intelligent approach, combining detailed close-ups of Caravaggio's artwork with insightful commentary from experts. Actor Jack Bannell's portrayal of Caravaggio adds a unique dimension, filling in narrative gaps and enhancing viewer engagement. While the subject has been explored in depth before, notably in Derek Jarman's acclaimed 1986 biopic, this documentary opts for a more traditional art-documentary format. It successfully balances accessibility with depth, making it a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse around Caravaggio's legacy in art history.