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From Metromix.com

Fast-Paised review: 'Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man'

Don't miss your chance to discover a living legend

By Matt Pais

This blend of concert film and documentary features interviews with songwriter Leonard Cohen and performances of his songs from famous fans including Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave and U2.

Big question: If you only know Jeff Buckley's cover of Cohen's "Hallelujah," is "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man" worth seeing?

Catch it: Director Lian Lunson achieves an elegant contrast as musicians honor a man who never acted as if his work was anything worth honoring. The performers capture the deep, heartfelt hum of Cohen's voice and deliver a haunting tribute to a poetic soul.

Skip it: If a man saying he's only comfortable in a suit makes you self-conscious about your own wardrobe. Tuck in that shirt, slacker!

Bottom line: It might have been beneficial to hear reflections from non-musicians and a bit more about events in Cohen's life that inspired the tunes. But this is a work of true beauty about the personal connections we feel to music, and the desire to wrap an artist's voice and songs around you, huddling inside them as if they were yours alone.

Bonus: Tired of the same old theme parks? See what kind of rides and characters you can devise for the area in Cohen's native Montreal that Wainwright describes as "Leonard Land."

Matt Pais is the metromix movies producer.

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'Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man'

Directed by Lian Lunson; cinematography by Geoff Hall and John Pirozzi; edited by Mike Cahill; music by Leonard Cohen; produced by Lunson, Mel Gibson and Bruce Davey. A Lionsgate release; opens Friday at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago and the Century Evanston 12. Running time: 1:44. MPAA rating: PG-13 (for some sex-related material).

Related topic galleries: Jeff Buckley, Music Industry, Evanston, Rufus Wainwright, Music, Mel Gibson, Leonard Cohen

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