New Documentary Explores Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah"
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
A new documentary, "Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen," will premiere on Arte on November 6, marking the tenth anniversary of Leonard Cohen's death. The film examines the life and career of the singer-songwriter, focusing on his iconic song "Hallelujah." Despite initial setbacks with its release, the song became a global anthem through various cover versions and its inclusion in popular culture. Directed by Dayna Goldfine and Daniel Geller, the documentary features extensive archival material and interviews.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A new documentary on Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" airs November 6 on Arte.
- Cohen died on November 7, 2016, at age 82.
- The song "Hallelujah" took Cohen many years and about 150 verses to complete.
- His label initially refused to release the album in the US, causing a crisis.
- Cover versions by John Cale, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Buckley propelled the song to fame.
- The film uses previously unreleased archival and interview material.
A new documentary, "Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen," will air on Arte on November 6, the eve of the tenth anniversary of the iconic singer-songwriter's death. Leonard Cohen, who passed away on November 7, 2016, at the age of 82, was a multifaceted figure, described as a philosopher, poet, seeker, writer, singer, "ladies man," and monk. The film focuses on his life and musical work through the lens of his most famous song, "Hallelujah." Cohen reportedly spent many years on the song, writing around 150 verses before he was satisfied. However, his record label, Columbia Records, initially decided not to release the album in the US, a decision that plunged him into a creative crisis but ultimately launched his songwriting career. The documentary, made by American directors Dayna Goldfine and Daniel Geller in 2021, utilizes extensive, previously unreleased archival and interview material, alongside concert footage and interviews with his associates. "Hallelujah" became an anthem, reaching number one on the charts partly due to influential cover versions by artists like John Cale, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Buckley. Its popularity surged further after its inclusion in the film "Shrek." The film promises a complex portrait of the creator of this globally renowned song.