Leonard Cohen’s death last November came after the loss of many great and visionary musicians in 2016.
The film LEONARD COHEN: I’M YOUR MAN is titled after the singer/songwriter’s 1988 album, which showcased a new creative direction. Interestingly, this album marks a departure from his previous album, Various Positions, which included the now-legendary “Hallelujah.” After that album, an executive at Columbia Records told Cohen, “Look, Leonard; we know you’re great, but we don’t know if you’re any good.” I’m Your Man was a statement of Cohen’s resilience and took advantage of his newly expanded creative freedom.
The film showcases tribute performances from artists such as Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, and Jarvis Cocker, and it is intriguing to see how the voices of these distinctive artists change and meld with Cohen’s music. Though the film does not necessarily reveal anything about Cohen not readily available in interviews or magazine profiles, experiencing his music through the filter of others’ interpretations gives his music a new dimension. It is clear why singers cover Cohen’s songs so often: they are beautiful lyrically, and expansive melodically.
In an interview with Billboard Magazine in October 2016, Cohen declared, “I intend to live forever.” This film is a testament to how, through his music, he will.
— Diana Martinez, Film Streams Education Director
