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Friday December 8, 2006

Leonard Cohen ages gracefully in concert documentary

by michael fox
correspondent

As a singer, Leonard Cohen always seemed distant. He had an aloofness that bordered on detachment, even when the lyrics were comprised of vulnerable confessions of love, loss and betrayal.

A warmer, more accessible and downright likable Cohen is on display in “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man,” a documentary that blends performances by a host of stellar singers at a 2005 tribute concert with a wry, bemused interview with the gifted artist.

There is much pleasure to be had here, notably in Rufus Wainwright’s tremulous turns at the microphone and Cohen’s dollops of wisdom. The film contains numerous beautiful moments, anchored by the subject’s sage demeanor.

But it’s vaguely unsatisfying ultimately. Impressionistic rather than definitive, it leaves us wanting a more complete portrait of the venerable Canadian poet-singer-songwriter-philosopher. The performances, meanwhile, emphasize the most plaintive and ethereal aspects of Cohen’s canon, often pulling the punch in his poetry.

“Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man,” which had a brief theatrical run earlier this year, has just been released on DVD. A soundtrack CD is also available.

Between the worshipful performances of hipsters like Nick Cave and Beth Orton at the “Came So Far For Beauty” show in Sydney, Australia, and the blathering testimonials of U2, “I’m Your Man” veers mighty close to hagiography. Fortunately, Cohen’s self-effacing remembrances undercut the 1,000-watt homage he receives from the vocalists, music producer Hal Willner and filmmaker Lian Lunson.

“I started writing poetry to girls,” Cohen recalls, “trying to get girls interested in my mind.” He breaks into a rueful chuckle, which tells us everything about what he was like as a teenager, what he thought would impress girls, the embarrassing experiences he had—and what he’s learned about women since.

Cohen was born in Montreal in 1934, and makes a single reference to his Jewish upbringing. “The first poetry that affected me was in the synagogue, in the liturgy and the Bible stories, and that would send shivers down my spine,” he confides.

“If It Be Your Will,” performed with acute longing by singer Antony, is the tune in the show that’s most evocative of Jewish prayer.

Cohen devotes some time explaining his penchant for suits instead of jeans. His father was in the clothing business and, although he died when Leonard was 9, he passed on an appreciation for sartorial standards.

Cohen’s fragments of insight are slipped in between the songs, and serve as general introductions to the next number. Cohen’s memories of first coming to New York in the ’60s, for example, serve as the lead-in to Wainwright’s rendition of “Chelsea Hotel No. 2.”

Many years ago, Cohen was introduced to a Zen monk and became a student. He tells us that he continues to practice and study, and one deduces that that is the source of his calmness, and his muted appreciation for his own accomplishments and success.

“I neither have regrets nor occasion for self-congratulation,” he declares at the beginning.

In fact, it’s likely that the Jewish singer more than anyone appreciates the irony that “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man” was produced by Mel Gibson’s company.

Be forewarned that the documentary is marred by Lunson’s overly artsy touches, including a propensity for mixing color and black-and-white footage. Even more annoying is the recurring presence of Bono, whose true talent is forging a persona of mock humility and stylish self-importance that stops millimeters shy of windbag pretentiousness.

Neither can upstage Cohen, thankfully, even when U2 backs him up on “Tower of Song.” That’s all the singing Cohen does in the film (except for a number over the end credits), but that’s OK. His speaking voice, like those of his Jewish poet-singer “cousins” Bob Dylan and Lou Reed, is imbued with gravitas, wit and mystery.

“Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man” (103 minutes, Lions Gate, $27.98).

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