Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man
March 25th, 2007
Not as good as they’d have you believe. The interview bits with Cohen are terrific, but I could have stood to hear him sing some more songs. Instead, half the movie is taken up by a tribute concert with Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, Antony, the McGarrigle sisters, Beth Orton, Rufus Wainwright etc etc. Some of the covers are very good; some of them made me hide in the closet and wait for Marcy to give the all clear. These live sections are also poorly shot and directed — hell, I’ve made better concert videos than this. Bono and the Edge talk Cohen up like he’s a biblical prophet even though his lyrics and winning presence don’t need it. In the end they finally play a song with him.
Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man. Lian Lunson, 2005. ***
The Proposition
May 7th, 2006
Nick Cave wrote the screenplay for this tough Australian western starring Guy Pearce, Danny Houston and Emily Watson. Serious moral decisions, blood, grit, and sand. The story’s gripping; some people are hailing it as one of the best movies of the year so far. I think I concur, even though it’s not a pleasant experience.
