Watch Leonard Cohen - Under Review: 1934-1977

Leonard Cohen - Under Review: 1934-1977 is a documentary-style film that explores the early career of one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in the world of music, Leonard Cohen. The film, which was released in 2006, offers a deep dive into the formative years of Cohen’s life, exploring his early influences, his early work as a writer and poet, and his emergence as a musician.

The film is structured as a retrospective, beginning with Cohen’s birth in 1934 and ending with the release of his 1977 album "Death of a Ladies' Man." Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and performances, the film tells the story of Cohen’s rise to prominence as an artist during the 1960s and 1970s.

The film offers a comprehensive look at Cohen’s life and work, including his early years in Montreal, his time studying in Europe, and his years in New York City, where he began his career as a writer and poet. The film features interviews with a number of Cohen’s collaborators, including Judy Collins, Phil Spector, and Bob Dylan, who share insights into Cohen’s creative process and offer unique perspectives on his music and lyrics.

The film delves deeply into the themes and influences that shaped Cohen’s music, including his fascination with religion, his struggles with depression, and his relationships with women. Through interviews with friends and colleagues, as well as archival footage of Cohen himself, the film offers a rich portrait of a complex and multifaceted artist.

One of the most striking features of the film is its use of live performances and studio recordings to illustrate the evolution of Cohen’s music over time. The film includes a number of rare and previously unseen performances from throughout Cohen’s career, including performances of his early work as a folk singer in the 1960s and his later work as a full-fledged recording artist in the 1970s.

Overall, Leonard Cohen - Under Review: 1934-1977 offers a fascinating and insightful look at one of the most iconic figures in the world of music. Through a combination of interviews, live performances, and archival footage, the film paints a vivid picture of Cohen’s life and work, and offers a glimpse into the creative process of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.