Movie Review by Sergio Martinez
Leonard Cohen has been
the subject of TV documentaries, feature movies and now this new documentary
directed by Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine. (Two feature movies directed by
Matthew Bissonette and inspired by Cohen were rather forgettable: Looking for
Leonard in 2002 and Death of a Ladies' Man, made in 2021. Cohen's great creative
talent doesn't necessarily guarantee that those who try to use the
singer-songwriter's genius as the source for their own work will succeed.)
In this case, however,
the directors have reached their goal: "This project began as a very
specific exploration of Hallelujah and its international impact — whether to
entertain (like the audiences who flocked to Shrek), commemorate life's
important moments at weddings and funerals or to serve as a communal healing,
like the song's use during the Covid-19 memorial service on the eve of the
January 2021 Presidential inauguration" said the directors in their
statement about the movie.
The documentary
manages to give us a thorough review of what the song meant for Cohen and those
who have done covers of the iconic theme. It has also managed to deal with the
different lyrics of the song, from the biblical to the secular. Interestingly
enough, Cohen was comfortable with both approaches.
The film contains
interviews with various people who have connected with Cohen's work, especially
with the creation of his emblematic song. Among the interviewees were music journalist
Larry "Ratso” Sloman, who interviewed Cohen on many occasions; Adrienne
Clarkson, a former CBC journalist and Canada Governor-General; Judy Collins,
who, in 1967, during a benefit concert in New York, put Cohen on stage for the
first time; Clive Davis, a Columbia Records executive when Cohen was signed for
that company in 1967; John Lissauer, a musician, composer, and producer, who
happened to produce the first version of Hallelujah as part of the album
Various Positions; Nancy Bacal, a writer, journalist and editor of Cohen's 1994
anthology Stranger Music: Selected Poems and Songs; Rabbi Mordecai Finlay,
leader of the synagogue that Cohen attended in Los Angeles; and French
photographer Dominique Issermann, with whom Cohen had a long relationship.
Besides the strictly
musical aspect of the film, including precious archival footage, there are many
references to Cohen's life, from his upbringing in Westmount to his many trips
to the United States and Europe, and, of course, some insight into his many
romantic encounters. The sad situation he faced when his account manager stole
all his money, forcing him to start a new international tour, is also mentioned
in the film. Cohen's stay in a Buddhist monastery for many years is also
covered as well as his plea for peace between Israelis and Palestinians during
a concert in Israel.
Hallelujah is a
documentary that delivers interesting details on the creation of what is
probably Cohen's most representative work and, at the same time, provides
insight into his quest for the sacred and the secular, the mystic and the worldly.
Duration: 118 Min.
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