If I lived anywhere closer then 14 hrs from NYC I might try and go see it, but as it stands I think that wouldn't be such a great idea. Heh.

oops lost track of this thread

Just seen the trailer, looks great - all I will say though is that I hope there are plenty of original vresions of his songs in it as well as all the covers.

The version of Chelsea Hotel No. 2 is by Rufus wainwright. It was actually this version that led me to Leonard. I'd never heard before, but I saw Rufus play it when I went to see him and it was by far the best song he played. And I love Rufus! AND his version isn't a patch on the original!

If I may wander gently off topic for a moment, Dolce you should try a little Rufus and Martha, I think you'd like them if you're into Leonard.
Rufus was once described to me - very acurately - as 'like eating chocolate for dinner', and his best stuff can take a little listening to, but really he's on the verge of Cohen like genius. Heavily influenced by him I think, though it shows more in his lyrics than music.

How fabulous is Rufus? I swear in his past life he was the emcee (sp?) in a Parisian Cabaret.

I saw it today. I really liked it actually. Its exactrly what I expected. Cryptic on Cohen's part, non-linear, and just awkward and adoring on the part of all the musicians he has inspired. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Finally after being dissappointed with Ray Charles and Johnny Cash biopics, I'm happy with at least one singer brought to screen. Granted it was a documentary, and totally different than a feature length drama, but at least it captured the abstract sentiment of Cohen, and it really emphasized him as a songwriter. Some of the interpretations were quite good, and some not as much. But the stripped down space matched the homage to a man who said Quebec was better than New York because American musicians had more of a sense (and desire) for their own celebrity.

It closed after one week here and I missed it...

Funny. I would have thought it would outperform theatres in the States over there in Canada.

Its been here a few weeks and I ran over there worried it would exit the screen soon. I was mistaken. I head counted near 100 people in the theatre, which is pretty damn good for 8 pm on a Monday this long into its release. I'm pretty sure that one theatre is still averaging $2000 pta per day if that showing was any indication.

*sniff* It has opened anywhere near me, I fear I will have to wait till DVD

It adds 20 something theaters this weekend, here's to a $100,000+ weekend.

I finally went to the movies last night in Portland after a two week hiatus.

First film I watched, LEONARD COHEN!!!!

If It Be Your Will performed by Antony is beyond brill.

I know. Did you peak at my review? I said the same thing. I am defintely buying that itune song. You can tell Antony really felt those lyrics.

What did you think of your formal introduction to my favorite musician and song writer ever?

Your review is spot on (as usual).

Antony seemed to be on the verge of a spirtual breakdown during his rendition of If It Be Your Will. I went to Itunes as soon as I got back to the hotel last night and purchased the entire soundtrack. Antony is on repeat this morning.

Leonard is an interesting man. Very dry humour, religious, dark, intense, I love him. Outside of a few production issues, a superb documentary. 2006 has been a great year for docs.

wait .. bradley's canadian?

Time for my monthly post in this thread...

Firstly, a very belated thanks to Dolce for the tracks on the first page - brilliant! I've loved everything I've heard of LC before, but never really got into him as comprehensively as an artist. I downloaded all the tracks when you first posted but I always take my time getting into new music, and yesterday they completely clicked. They've been stuck in my head since and as soon as I get some cash I'll be running out to buy every album I can! Currently loving Master Song, Marianne, Suzanne, Don't Go Home With Your Hard On, I also downloaded Paper Thin Hotel...dammit, they're all bloody brilliant.

Secondly, anybody know of the release plans for this film? I'm desperate to see it, but I doubt it'll get a theatre release over here so I guess I'm stuck with DVD. But I can't wait that long!

It's coming to the art house this weekend.

Is it worth it for a non-Cohen fan? I do love Rufus Wainwright though, so...

I had no idea who Cohen was and I really enjoyed the film.

Hell, Cohen even made my sig.

The one thing I'm worried about...

I've read the director has a tendancy to cut away from the best performances, like Antony's and some of Rufus'. Is that true?

Hmm, I don't recall that being an issue.

Had never even heard of Leonard Cohen before this thread.

Movie sounds interesting, might check it out.