Review of Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man (2006) by Kenr — 26 Feb 2019

This coverage seems to be made up of footage from one or more Leonard Cohen tribute concerts of 2005 at the Sydney Opera House – a line-up of various international artists is shown performing a selection of his songs. Dispersed throughout the concert is added personal interview footage and clips featuring Leonard performing with some universally mainstream artists. This mix of images is not always as successful as intended - with some of it actually looking rather cheap, especially for a tribute to Leonard Cohen. The most effective added song clip consists of Mr Cohen giving a haunting and perhaps prophetic rendition of “Tower Of Song” – for this performance he is accompanied by none other than U2 and the Edge. These megastar musicians are clearly in awe of the privilege to perform with their legendary hero. Some of the concert camerawork is at times a little shoddy and not all of the chosen artists seem altogether right for certain songs but, this of course is personal and will vary for each viewer. Much of Mr Cohen’s work needs explaining and the interviews unfortunately give little away about some of the hidden meaning – in fact, its clear Mr Cohen has chosen to disclose very little about his inner feelings. Leonard claims he’s not a nostalgic man and has no regrets about past relationships, yet his music constantly speaks of brokenness.

Interviews with various musos all tend to relate how Leonard’s songs have helped them navigate through a range of dark life experiences, and to ease the pain of many personal situations. Was he simply a gifted storyteller/poet/prophet or was it from a deeper driven force? His classic song from The Future ‘Anthem’ tells us; “There’s a Crack in the Universe” (that’s how the ‘light’ gets in) strongly suggests a man seeking major social justice. Much about Mr Cohen seems to point to a soul in search of itself and a longing for completeness that perhaps was never found. Some of these searches involved Eastern or Japanese Gurus - all of which he personally broke-off as never quite working for him. He also looked at the influences of the Kabbalah school of thought of Judaism. Maybe he, like many others, did not want to admit to anything like his own incompleteness? Or simply knew that the enigma that surrounds his music and personality - was adding to his popularity – a mix of both I dare suggest (?).

The artists who commit a huge amount of interpretive emotion to several of his songs are namely London born: Teddy Thompson performing “Tonight Will Be Fine” with the sad follow-on lyrics, suggesting that this, will be so, at least...’for a while’. Thompson’s voice has the necessary cry to carry this sentiment perfectly. The DVD extras include Teddy’s equally emotional rehearsal for this fine song. Curious English singer; Anthony, also hits the right note with her powerful version of “If It Be Your Will” making it an affecting experience. Canadians Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Martha Wainwright and English born Jarvis Cocker give equally evocative performances to their allotted (?) songs. Many others should please followers of Leonard’s enigmatic songs and music – though, perhaps, none quite ‘make it’ as do the originals (?) – Again, this will be personal for each viewer.