The first trailer for the upcoming Leonard Cohen documentary Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love has dropped.
Directed by Nick Broomfield, the documentary delves into the singer-songwriter’s relationship with Marianne Ihlen.
The trailer features previously unseen footage of Leonard Cohen exploring notions of love and artistry that arose from his relationship with Marianne Ihlen.
Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, with critics praising Broomfield’s compelling use of nostalgic archival footage.
The trailer opens with a narration from a love letter Cohen penned to Ihlen after he was informed of her deteriorating health: “Dearest Marianne, I’m just a little behind you – close enough to take your hand.”
The pair met in 1960 and spent the first years of their relationship in a bohemian community on the Greek Island of Hydra before parting ways in 1967. Shortly after, Cohen released So Long, Marianne, declaring his love for Marianne beyond their breakup.
On the 28th of July, 2016, Ihlen died of leukemia. Cohen passed away less than four months later.
While Cohen’s reflective musings have been well-documented over the years, Ilheln has remained elusive, despite being the inspiration behind many classics.
Watch the trailer below:
Cohen’s son Adam confirmed that he is currently working on completing an album of unfinished songs in honour of his father.
