Leonard Cohen’s legion of Irish fans will be able to see a special preview of the Marianne & Leonard: Words Of Love documentary on July 23 in Dublin’s IFI and Stella Theatre cinemas.
It’ll also be showing in the IFI and Belfast’s Queen’s Film Theatre from July 26 and at the Cork Triskel and Castlebar’s Mayo Movie World from August 16.
The Dun Laoghaire Pavilion and Limerick Belltable get in on the act on September 6.
Described as the “most personal and romantic film” of director Nick Bloomfield’s storied career, it features never-before-seen footage shot by both him and fellow rock ‘n’ roll documentarian D.A. Pennebaker.
“Marianne & Leonard: Words Of Love is a beautiful yet tragic love story between Leonard Cohen and his Norwegian muse Marianne Ihlen,” reads the synopsis. “Their love began on the idyllic Greek island of Hydra in 1960 as part of a bohemian community of foreign artists, writers and musicians. The film follows their relationship from the early days on Hydra, a humble time of ‘free love’ and open marriage, to how their love evolved when Leonard became a successful musician.
“It was on Hydra in 1968 that director Nick Broomfield, then aged 20, first met Marianne Ihlen. Marianne introduced him to Leonard Cohen’s music and also encouraged Nick to make his first film and was an enormous influence on him. Marianne and Leonard's was a love story that would continue for the rest of their lives. Along the way we learn of the tragedy that befell those that could not survive the beauty of Hydra, the highs and lows of Leonard’s career, and the inspirational power that Marianne possessed.
“Marianne and Leonard died three months apart.”
See the next issue of Hot Press, out on Thursday July 18, for an in-depth interview with Nick Bloomfield.
Find out more at www.marianneandleonard.co.uk/screenings#watch