Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love is a documentary film directed by Nick Broomfield that explores the love story between Leonard Cohen, a legendary musician, and his Norwegian muse, Marianne Ihlen. The movie focuses on how their tumultuous relationship grew and evolved over the years, in spite of numerous challenges and obstacles.
The film starts by providing some context to Leonard and Marianne's relationship, highlighting their initial meeting in the 1960s on the Greek island of Hydra. At the time, the island was a bustling haven for artists, writers, and other Bohemian types who were drawn to its free-spirited lifestyle. Cohen had come to Hydra to write a novel, but he ended up falling in love with Ihlen, a beautiful woman who was already married with a son.
From that point on, the film explores the many twists and turns that Cohen and Ihlen's relationship would take over the years. Despite both being married to other people, they continued to see each other on and off, often in exotic locations like New York and Montreal. Along the way, they experienced the ups and downs of love and romance, and their story became one of enduring passion and true connection.
As Cohen's music career started to take off, Ihlen remained a constant presence in his life, even inspiring some of his most famous songs like "So Long, Marianne". However, their relationship was not without its difficulties. Cohen was known to be a very private and introspective person, while Ihlen struggled with mental health issues, and their different lifestyles sometimes made it hard for them to come together.
Ultimately, Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love is a heartfelt and moving tribute to a love story that endured for decades, until Ihlen passed away in 2016. The film features candid interviews with many of the people who knew and loved Cohen and Ihlen, and it provides fascinating insights into the world of Leonard Cohen and the woman who inspired some of his most beautiful music.
