Dr. Barnabas T. Bynum's New School Musical Revue and Travelling Minstrel Show

Now out on dvd, this gem of a film is a must see for the long term Cohen fan as well as a starting point for the newly initiated admirer of the man's work and art. The film flows chronologically through Cohen's life and career beginning with his celebrated Canadian poet days down through his songwriting and performing period and ending with his association with a Buddhist monastery. Interspersed with revealing commentary by the man himself are musical performances of his songs interpreted by a fine cast of performers. Rufus Wainwright and family provide several of the numbers. Nick Cave along with the delightful Perla Batalla give a mesmerizing rendition of "Suzanne". The Handsome Family provide a stellar cover of "Famous Blue Raincoat". The only down note if there is one in the film, is the insistence of U2's Bono to appear yet again in another documentary about a celebrated literary or musical icon extolling his "unique" brand of commentary. After all, I thought he was too busy saving the world. But in fairness, he does acquit himself quite well in a closing duet with Cohen on the latter's "Tower of Song".