The Lost Leonardo

This documentary is less about whether or not "Salvator Mundi" is by Leonardo da Vinci, and more about the shady ways the mega-rich use art as investments, to transport currency, as tax havens, and as political capital.

Sadly, none of these super rich people lose money in opaque transactions. The crooks who started it all made 83 million USD. The incompetent curator from the National Gallery in London didn't lose his job after lying about the painting being authenticated, and certainly retained his bribe. The ruthless Russian oligarch not only didn't lose money, as expected, but almost quadrupled it from 120 mil USD to 450 mil USD.

It's frustrating and disheartening to see the insatiable greed of those who have more than they know what to do with, but I am glad I watched this documentary, and learned something.

The film does a great job of telling this amazing story in step by step detail. The interviews with the collectors and investors involved are intricately woven as we climb through this journey from obscurity to verification of the paintings authenticity, then the arguments pro and con and finally to the unbelievable final sale of the painting. I recommend this film for anyone interested in art.

Overall this was a very good documentary, we learnt much about the shady art world and big money.

The outcome was unexpected when the Louvre authenticated the painting despite the level of repairs on the damaged painting and the owner was a Saudi Prince. I did feel slightly sorry for the restorer and everyone was questioning her integrity, despite the fact she was merely doing her job, even though she did get a cut of the first sale. I thought the painting looked the business.

I not sure we were overly worried about the Russian as he made £400 million.

I'm giving this an 8 outta 10 as I was gripped.

I see a couple of other reviewers above have commented that this story is 'incomplete' or doesn't give us all the answers. How could it? Whether the painting is genuine is still uncertain.

What it does do, extremely well, is tell a fascinating story. Part 1 is about the painting's restoration and appraisal, Part 2 about its sale. But then there's a Part 3!

Finally, unlike so many films, it's the right length - not overlong.

Documentary movie making at its best. The director & the writers did an amazing job in making such thrilling documentary. Drama, mystery, thriller, suspense all mixed in perfect proportion to make interesting & captivating from beginning to end. Well done.