In a recent Zoom casting call, director Oystein Karlsen discovered his Leonard Cohen in actor Alex Wolff. The Norwegian director was immediately drawn to Wolff's portrayal of the famously melancholic Canadian singer-songwriter for his new TV miniseries, 'So Long Marianne.' Karlsen sought a professional musician and singer to authentically capture Cohen's music, and Wolff's background in music made him a perfect fit for the role.
Despite being from a different generation, Wolff was well-acquainted with Cohen's work, finding inspiration in his poetry from a young age. The series delves into Cohen's relationship with Marianne Ihlen, exploring their journey from the idyllic Greek island of Hydra to New York, where their love story takes a tumultuous turn.
'So Long Marianne' features a talented cast, including notable cameos and co-stars such as Peter Stormare, Noah Taylor, and Anna Torv. The series portrays Cohen and Ihlen not as legendary artists, but as ordinary individuals navigating love, pain, and self-discovery in the '60s.
Wolff dedicated himself to embodying Cohen, meticulously studying his voice, mannerisms, and musical style. His performance as Cohen goes beyond imitation, capturing the essence of the iconic singer-songwriter.
The series received the blessing of the Cohen family and incorporates his music throughout. Much of the dialogue was improvised, with Wolff drawing on Cohen's extensive body of work to infuse authenticity into his portrayal.
'So Long Marianne' was a transformative experience for Wolff, who immersed himself in the role to deliver a compelling performance. The series, co-produced by multiple international entities, has garnered attention for its nuanced portrayal of Cohen and Ihlen's relationship.
