By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.25
Director: Lian Lunson
Country: united_states
Year: 2006
Running time: 105
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478197/
Bruce says: “Delightful to watch, LEONARD COHEN: I’M YOUR MAN is not entirely successful. The man, his poetry and music make the film irresistible on one level. Regrettably, the artistic choices – who sings the songs and who speaks to the camera – do not always do the subject justice. As is the current fashion, this film has no shortage of celebrities who have some opinion or inspirational story to tell.
“Leonard Cohen is an iconic figure here and in his native Canada. Old still photos from family albums give us an idea of what his life in Montreal was like – from boyhood until his move to Los Angeles after he achieved world fame. Cohen talks to the camera freely about his artistic achievements, his relationships and his spiritual needs. In 1993 he moved into a Zen Center to study with a Japanese master. ‘I’m not Japanese and you’re not Jewish,’ Cohen was told a form of level setting. He has a gentle sense of humor and an introspective manner. He is a man without regrets and need for self-congratulation.
“The cornerstone of this documentary is a January 2005 tribute to Cohen in Sydney, Australia. Among the featured performers are Nick Cave, Beth Orton, Rufus Wainwright, Anna and Kate McCarrigle, and Antony. Later in the film Cohen performs ‘Tower of Song’ with U2 after we see Bono and The Edge opine about Cohen’s poetry and contribution to music. Bono likens Cohen to Keats and Shelley.
“Having heard Rufus Wainwright sing ‘Hallelulah’ live, I found his film version slightly flat and uninspired. Wainwright fares
better with ‘Everybody Knows’ and ‘Chelsea Hotel#2l.’ Julie Christensen and Perla Batalla dazzle with a fabulous version of
‘Anthem.’ Nick Cave does a decent job with ‘I’m Your Man,’ but the truth is I’d rather hear Cohen sing it. I did not like Antony’s
‘If It Be Your Will’ at all and did not care for the McCarrigles ’Winter Lady’ or Beth Orton’s ‘Sisters of Mercy.’
“In spite of the film being a mixed bag, I recommend it to anyone who has ever been a Leonard Cohen fan or admirer. 3 cats”
Hilary says: “Part concert film, part documentary, but neither successfully. I echo Bruce’s sentiment that it is a bit muddled,
but nonetheless worth a viewing if you’re at all interested in Cohen. I didn’t know a lot about him or his music, but it held my interest, particularly the live performances. I’ve heard a recorded version of Rufus Wainwright performing Hallelujah, but the live version gave me goosebumps, until the other vocalist who isn’t Martha Wainwright joined in. Must get this soundtrack! 4 cats for the concert/3 for the documentary.”