VIDEO LEONARD COHEN - Angel

LEONARD COHEN - Angel In this unique piece, Leonard Cohen's "Angel" is brought to life through a 1966 experimental film that features a man, a woman, and a dog taking turns wearing wings. This short film not only embraces but also playfully critiques the artistic spirit of its time. The combination of Cohen's haunting melodies and the whimsical visuals creates a captivating experience that resonates with fans of both music and innovative film-making. The film stands out for its creativity and its ability to both entertain and provoke thought, which is a hallmark of Cohen's work. For those who might not be familiar with Cohen, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, known for his profound lyrics and deep, emotive voice. "Angel" showcases his signature style—an intersection of poetic storytelling and musical artistry. Watching this film could inspire a range of conversations about the evolution of music videos and experimental filmmaking, especially in the context of the cultural landscape of the 1960s. The video does not come with subtitles or a transcript, which adds to the experience as viewers are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the visuals and sounds without distraction.

Discussion Points:​

• What are your thoughts on the merging of music and visual art in this film?
• How does this 1966 interpretation reflect today's music videos?
• Have you explored other works by Leonard Cohen? Which are your favorites? Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences regarding this piece, or suggest other notable videos that blend music with visual art!

This short 1966 experimental film from the National Film Board of Canada features high-contrast, high-key black and white silhouette animation and cinematography. It opens around 00:35 with a delicate acoustic guitar folk piece composed by Leonard Cohen and played by The Stormy Clovers. On screen, a woman adorned in polka-dot wings dances through a stark, winter landscape alongside a man and a dog. Around 02:29, the man approaches her and asks, "Excuse me, miss... Can I borrow your wings?" prompting a playful exchange as he tries to take flight, tumbles onto the snow, and eventually straps the wings onto the dog.
The whimsical dialogue and laughter give the video a delightfully intimate feel, grounded by Cohen's acoustic guitar work. The extreme contrast between the black silhouettes and the blinding white background creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. Around 05:37, the tempo picks up into an upbeat folk rhythm as the woman dances once last time before the final credits roll. It is a charming piece of 1960s avant-garde Canadian cinema and early Leonard Cohen composition that captures a lighthearted, poetic story without taking itself too seriously.