Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man - movie reviews and information

'Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man' spotlights a remarkable artist
by Eleanor Ringel Gillespie

As U2 singer Bono (one of Cohen's countless celebrity fans) says in the documentary/concert film "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man," "he makes something beautiful out of the blackness." Blackness is a key word in Cohen's work. He sings of "heroes in the seaweed," of life as "a leaf that the seasons tear off and condemn," of Joan of Arc's plea to the waiting flames. Director Lian Lunson has combined interviews with the man himself, old family photos, etc. (the usual documentary detritus) with footage from a 2005 tribute concert at Sydney Opera House. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
A documentary tribute to Leonard Cohen, featuring his songs, poetry and art. In interviews, Cohen speaks of his writing process; "savage criticisms" exchanged with fellow Montreal poets; the scene at the Chelsea Hotel; tea and oranges with the real Suzanne; and his retreat to Mt. Baldy.

FILM FACTS ...

Lionsgate

'Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man'

Director: Lian Lunson
Starring: Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, Beth Orton, Jarvis Cocker
Run time: 104 minutes
Release date: June 21, 2006
Rating: PG-13 for some sex-related material.

A Cohen primer
• At 71, Leonard Cohen is still touching us with his mind.
• Singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright is among the reverent "children of Leonard Cohen."

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
Trailers require Quicktime

READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B
"... admirably inclusive, likely to satisfy both longtime fans and Cohen neophytes."

Read the full review

Austin American-Statesman: 2 of 5 stars
"Cohen is still hypnotic to watch... Sadly, too much of the yammering from the disciples rarely rises above the level of platitude."