Cohen, Leonard - Under Review: 1978-2006 is an illuminating documentary that encompasses nearly three decades of the lauded Canadian singer-songwriter and poet, Leonard Cohen's prolific career. This comprehensive overview provides an in-depth understanding of Cohen's musical contributions, dynamic creativity, and his ever-evolving persona as an artist. The period of consideration in the documentary, 1978 to 2006, is noted for its poignant and reflective music that firmly cemented Cohen as one of his generation's most influential voices in both music and literature.

This academically fascinating portrayal brings forth a multi-faceted Cohen, unlike what we usually perceive of him in other contexts. This film dissects his body of work from the late 70s to the early 2000s. Cohen's journey as an artist is portrayed in an evocative narrative arc, starting from his fourth studio album "Death of a Ladies' Man", produced by Phil Spector, through to his 2004 album "Dear Heather". This period encompasses a diverse range of his music, artistic collaborations, literary work, and many of his live performances.

The documentarians take a musically forensic approach to Cohen's work, analysing lyrics, melodies, themes, and his evolution as an artist. Beyond the music, the film goes deep into Cohen's life, touching upon his relationships, his inspiring muse, his brush with various cultural movements, his foray into monastic life, and his influence on contemporary music and on future generations. Each segment is sublimely crafted and richly narrated, encapsulating the essence and ethos of the acclaimed singer-poet's artistic journey.

Cohen, Leonard - Under Review: 1978-2006 doesn't merely exist as an observational documentary; it incorporates several rare interviews, concert clips, and promotional films from the era to provide an immersive study of the artist's exceptional craft. Exclusive conversations with individuals close to Cohen, collaborators, music critics, and eminent musicologists help us gain a deeper understanding of his creative process and his artistic journey. This multiple view-points approach furthers the documentary's objectives, providing a detailed and balanced overview of Cohen's enormous contributions to music and literature.

Perhaps the highlight of the film is the critical review of Cohen's work, where music critics and contemporaries delve into the depths of his songs, examining his lyrical prowess, melodic inventions, and thematic depth. Cohen's words always embraced a profound spiritual dimension, philosophical insights, and an overwhelming romanticism, which have been laudably explored in painstaking detail. Seeking to explain the continuing relevance of his music, experts break down the poetic and literary merits of his work, painting a picture of an artist who constantly challenged himself and his audience.

The documentary does not shy from touching upon Cohen's battles with depression and his seeking solace in spirituality. His retreat into Buddhism, subsequent ordination as a Zen monk, and his period of secluded living at the Mount Baldy Zen Center provide an absorbing insight into his deep introspection and its ultimate influence on his artistic pursuits.

The film adeptly interlaces his music and life to trace his transformation as an artist during these crucial years. Cohen's distinctive baritone voice, his distinct style of set-up and delivery, his existential despair, his spiritual yearning, his women, his world, all come alive in an intimately narrated story. His iconic songs like 'Hallelujah', 'I'm Your Man' and 'First We Take Manhattan' are re-explored under this critical lens, breathing a fresh new life into them.

Cohen, Leonard - Under Review: 1978-2006 is a must-watch for avid fans and anyone interested in understanding the creative process of a remarkable and influential artist. This documentary serves as an important educational tool for songwriters, poets, and musicians, as it eloquently unravels the complexity and beauty of Cohen's work. His life, his artistry, his genius resonate in every frame, making it a memorable and influential experience for any viewer. As an ode to Leonard Cohen's legacy, the film stands as a sublime and profound exploration of one of music's most fascinating and revered figures.