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What I am thinking just now is: Jees, I saw this documentary two weeks ago, and I can't recall a single really important thing.

Of course that I remember Leonard's parts, and can imagine performers, but usually, if some film gets pale in my memory, it's not good sign. And when I saw it, it appeared that I can comment only by needs of my profession (I am film study scholar), merging it with my Cohen knowledge, and comment editing, biblically-prophetically approach, kitsch scene of his eyes shining from the picture, or close ups, or direction itself, or Leonard's speeches, using the digital effects on his face (focused circle, which leaves even edges of his face unfocused) etc. But nothing behind that - and I remember how much I was thrilled by Armelle Brusq's "Leonard Cohen Spring 96" documentary (and later, by her docu on Piere Cardin, I bumped into it on TV).

I think we all have to accept that the film is not made for us.

My outspoken 16-year-old daughter stated bluntly that LC has the worst voice in the world but in same breath added that he is a good poet. She simply will not listen to him, but commented recently what a fine voice Martha Wainwright has (singing something else).

I'll be getting the DVD when it comes out in the UK in late January, and we'll see what effect it has on her. If a more angelic voice singing LC's songs brings his work to a new generation, then the film will have been a success, regardless what we old roués think.

I cannot believe that so many of you liked the film.

I saw it in the cinema the other day and was really looking forward to a documentary about Leonard Cohen, whose music & poetry I have loved for years. However, I was bitterly disappointed. If you take out all the appalling singing, the documentary part would account for less than 1/2 hour, and it didn't even give any new insights. But would have been fine and watchable, if a little sycophantic.

However, the singers that were picked to interpret Leonard Cohen's music, were frankly aweful (except Julie Christensen, Perla Batela and Jarvis Cocker). Leonard Cohen's songs are all quite long and when you are subjected to listen to screetching voices it becomes unbearable and the expression 'fast-forward to the good bits' comes to mind. I really tried very hard to find some quality and some merit in the singers, but was unable to. -- Just let the man sing his songs himself!!!

What shocked me most was the fact that people in the cinema clapped at the end of it. Not sure if it was out of joy or because the ordeal was over. My partner and I must have seen and heard a different film.

Please note: I do not object to other singers singing Cohen's songs per se, I just enjoy singers that can actually sing a lot more - like Anjani, Sharon Robinson, Perla Batela, Julie Christensen, Jennifer Warnes....they all sing his songs beautifully.

for anyone who hasn't seen this movie - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 8231847428#