Cohen, Leonard - Under Review: 1934-1977 is a compelling biographical documentary that gives insights into the life and career accomplishments of the renowned singer-songwriter, Leonard Cohen, until the year 1977. The movie runs for approximately two hours in which astounding components of Cohen’s life unravel, providing a fascinating window into his world and thought process. The chronicle offers a comprehensive overview of his early life till 1977, covering significant milestones and shedding light on the transformation of Cohen from a writer and poet to a globally recognised musician.

The documentary begins by delving into Cohen's early years, highlighting his birth in 1934 in Westmount, Quebec, Canada, and his upbringing in a middle-class Jewish family. This exploration of his early life sets the stage by providing important background that influenced his eventual artistic pursuits.

As the narrative progresses, the audience is introduced to Cohen's early interaction with poetry and literature. It outlines his time as a student at McGill University, where he published his first poetry book, and his profound experiences living in the bohemian culture of Montreal, leading up to his relocation to the Greek island of Hydra. It's in Hydra where Cohen started transforming his writing skills towards songwriting and music, inspired by folk music of the 1960s.

Notably, the film also spends considerable time discussing the release of Cohen's first album "Songs of Leonard Cohen" in 1967, which launched his music career at the age of 33, and its subsequent reception. This part provides valuable insight into how Cohen's distinctive voice, haunting lyrics and minimalist music style were received by critics and fans alike.

One of the highlights of Cohen, Leonard - Under Review: 1934-1977 is its exceptional interview footage. It features rare archival interviews with Cohen himself, speaking on a variety of topics including his songwriting process, his influences, and his thoughts on fame and artistic success. These interviews offer a nuanced understanding of Cohen as both a public figure and an artist.

Further into the documentary, there is an exploration of how Cohen's career unfolded through the 1970s, with enduring classics such as "Hallelujah", "Bird on the Wire", and "Suzanne". The film expertly reveals how Cohen's work navigates complex themes of love, religion, and personal struggle, shedding light on the profound impact his music has had on generations of listeners and artists.

A unique feature of the film is the inclusion of critical analysis offered by a panel of experts; music journalists, musicians, and friends of Cohen. Their inputs further enhance the understanding of Cohen's work, providing context and interpretation to his discography. Their vivid anecdotes about Cohen, coupled with their analysis, paint a fuller, more complex picture of his music and life. This film keeps the audiences engaged with a seamless blend of performance footage, still photography and talking-head interviews.

Under Review: 1934-1977 also showcases Cohen's innovative blends of folk, pop, and poetry. It celebrates the way in which he shifted the parameters of popular song into previously unchartered territory with his provocative, emotional, and visionary compositions.

Even though the film takes the viewers through a journey of Cohen's life only up to 1977, it encapsulates a monumental period of his career, when he was establishing himself as a unique, innovative musician on the global stage. Thus, it is not just a biography but also an expert critique of Leonard Cohen's poetry and songs, an informally expository study of Cohen's style and a tribute to his creative genius.

Overall, Cohen, Leonard - Under Review: 1934-1977 is a must-watch for anyone interested in this iconic artist's work. Whether you are a long-standing fan or new to Cohen's music, this documentary offers plenty to enrich your appreciation of his extraordinary talent. It is not only a comprehensive analysis of Cohen's work but also an intimate portrait of the man behind the legend. It leaves viewers with a profound awareness of Leonard Cohen's creative brilliance, the depth of his vision and his lasting influence in the world of music and poetry.