Fine documentary about the remarkable intellectual achievements of Michael Ventris (1922-1956), who succeeded in translating a recondite Minoan language called Linear B. Although an architect by profession, Ventris was an exceptional linguist well-versed in the classics. The documentary shows him as a versatile polymath capable of drawing upon a variety of resources ; it also shows him as a complex and multi-faceted human being.
I would have liked to learn a bit more about the object of his study - some might say, the object of his private obsession - to wit the Linear B language and the culture it came from. (Besides, how difficult can it be to hire some extras and have them walk around in ancient Minoan costume, carrying offerings to the gods ?) Apart from that, a very satisfying and informative documentary.
Do watch the samples of Ventris' handwriting, which was almost mechanical in its regularity. I've never seen anything like it.
I would have liked to learn a bit more about the object of his study - some might say, the object of his private obsession - to wit the Linear B language and the culture it came from. (Besides, how difficult can it be to hire some extras and have them walk around in ancient Minoan costume, carrying offerings to the gods ?) Apart from that, a very satisfying and informative documentary.
Do watch the samples of Ventris' handwriting, which was almost mechanical in its regularity. I've never seen anything like it.
