A documentary on the legendary singer-songwriter, with performances by those musicians he has influenced. When Leonard Cohen speaks, the elevated cadences of language are strewn with poetic images so precisely articulated in a rumbling bass-baritone voice that they all but erase the distinction between his song lyrics and personal conversation. Each word is carefully chosen and pronounced with oratorical flourish. Even when his sepulchral drone isn't bending itself around a melody, its sound is musical. Lian Lunson's wonderful documentary portrait combines pieces of an extended interview with this Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and author, now 71, with a tribute concert organized by Hal Willner at the Sydney Opera House in January 2005. Titled "Came So Far for Beauty" (after a Cohen song), the event featured performances of many of Mr. Cohen's best-known songs by Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Martha Wainwright and Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons), among others.
1. I'm Your Man - Nick Cave
2. Chelsea Hotel No. 2 - Rufus Wainwright
3. Everybody Knows - Rufus Wainwright
4. Guests, The - Laurie Anderson
5. If It Be Your Will - Antony
6. Sisters Of Mercy - Beth Orton
7. Future, The - Teddy Thompson
8. Winter Lady - Kate McGarrigle/Anna McGarrigle
9. Traitor, The - Martha Wainwright
10. Famous Blue Raincoat - The Handsome Family
11. Suzanne - Nick Cave
12. Bird On A Wire - Perla Batalla
13. I Can't Forget - Jarvis Cocker
14. Alexandra Leaving - Linda Thompson
15. Tonight Will Be Fine - Teddy Thompson
16. Tower Of Song - Leonard Cohen/U2
Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man
