Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Leonard Cohen
Directed by Donald Brittain and Don Owen
Written by Donald Brittain
1965/Canada
National Film Board of Canada
First viewing/Netflix rental
[box] “I have tried in my way to be free.” ― Leonard Cohen, “Bird on a Wire”[/box]
There are almost no songs and only a little poetry in this 45-minute documentary about Canada’s most famous poet. Yet I came out of my viewing wanting to dig into a book of his poems.
The film follows Cohen to poetry readings and at home around Europe and in his native Montreal. The writer proves to be thoroughly engaging in moods both philosophical and light-hearted.
I’ve always loved Leonard Cohen’s songs. This film predates the 1967 launch of his musical career so, other than a minor little ditty, you won’t find any of them here. Yet, the man is so charismatic that it didn’t matter at all. Highly recommended to fans. The complete film is available on YouTube.
Clip
I am a fan as well.
In 2009 my wife and I were in Venice, Italy, walking around at night when suddenly we heard a very familiar voice. Turned out Leonard Cohen was giving a concert on Piazza San Marco. We we not able to get in to the concert itself, but we heard it perfectly well outside. Romantic Venice just got even more romantic.
Possibly the most romantic thing I have ever heard.
One time, my husband and I were ending a cruise on the Sepik River in PNG. At sunset, we left the river for the sea. We were greeted by literally hundreds of dolphins. The crew stopped the boat to fish while we enjoyed the view of the sunset, the dolphins, and the volcano in the distance. We had “from the hook” fresh tuna at dinner. True story but doesn’t top yours.
Ah, but it is still a wonderful story. I never had an experience like that and I bet few people have. Just wonderful.