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Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man | 
| Director: Lian Lunson
Studio: Maple Pictures
Category: DVD
List Price: CDN$ 14.95
Buy New: CDN$ 9.99
You Save: CDN$ 4.96 (33%)
New (6) Used (4) from CDN$ 9.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 449
Format: Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
UPC: 057373172209
EAN: 0057373172209
ASIN: B000IB0D94
Release Date: November 14, 2006
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
 "I was born like this, I had no choice" April 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
There is something about Leonard Cohen that seems just right for me. Lian Lunson's 2006 documentary titled Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man is about the life and career of Canadian song lyricist/poet Leonard Cohen, and it helps verify to me that my lifetime fascination with Cohen is because he seems to write and sing as if he has no choice. It is just part of who he is and what he must do. Cohen writes songs like we would need to eat, it is id-driven; he simply needs it for sustenance. In some ways listening to, understanding, and connecting to Cohen's words and music is as equally an aggressive impulse for me as a fan.
He was inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame last night. I gave up on the legitimacy of the Rock N' Roll Hall a Fame a while ago but they gain points for honoring Cohen, perhaps this means they finally give Tom Waits his due? Anyway, rather than sit through boring brown-nosing of what I see as mediocre talents like John Mellencamp and Madonna, I decided to just watch Lou Reed gloat over how great Cohen is and then see Damien Rice belt out a nice version of Hallelujah (a song best covered by the late Jeff Buckley). Then I opted to throw in this little documentary. To my surprise I was in the prefect mood for it and so I decided to review it after a positive viewing experience. The first time I saw this it seemed to drag at a snail's pace but still kept my attention, so take that for what it is and know it is my primary justification for a less than perfect rating.
It is very important to note that this movie really is for Cohen fans, or at least fans of some of the artists who appear in the film singing his songs at a tribute show at the Sydney Opera House. In fact, if you like Cohen but not some of the performers you may be frustrated because the film shows primarily covers versions of his songs. Some of the complete performances include Nick Cave singing the title track, Beth Orton singing "Sisters of Mercy", Rufus and Martha Wainwright singing various tracks, Teddy Thompson doing multiple songs, and perhaps my favorite performance, Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons singing "If it Be Your Will" with great passion. Cohen also performs with U2 at the end of the film and several additional performances that appear on the film's soundtrack are available as extras on the DVD. If none of that interests you then you might want to pass, but I happen to think Cohen is one of best song lyricists I've ever heard and this documentary really tries to focus on how he writes and what inspires him.
 Outstanding - highest recommendation February 12, 2008
Everything about this DVD impressed me. To my surprise the performance by the other artists all seemed to me to be deeply respectful of Cohen's music and poetry so I did not regret that it was not simply a concert of Cohen performing his own work. Everything felt to me in harmony with what I like so much in Leonard Cohen's songs. I thought it was magnificent and moving, both in the music and in the remarks made by Cohen, a most interesting and rewarding (I feel) man to listen to.
 Disappointing June 20, 2007
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
As big fan of Leonard Cohen I was looking forward to seeing this film.
The best thing is the one interview with Cohen they conducted. However the authors didn't seem to connect very much with their subject but was still interesting to see the old man.
Otherwise it's really disappointing - no original sound tracks - all Cohen songs are played by other artists. Maybe was a right's issue but still...
Structure leaves to be desired as well. An opportunity missed.
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