If It Be Your Will - Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man (2006) Discussion

[–] bakes2 17 years ago

I completely agree, I watched that stunning performance frozen on my couch, mouth agape. I've never seen anything like that and just hopped on here to see who the heck it was!!

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[–] machaltcrz 17 years ago

I'd never heard of Antony before and was frankly a bit put off by his appearance, but his voice is singularly remarkable and he gave a powerful version of this song. It was quite stunning and I am a new fan of his. What an amazing talent, I hope we hear much more of him in the future.

I was also delighted to be introduced to Teddy Thompson by this film. I was familiar with the Wainwright musical legacy (what a talented bunch!), but had never really listened to Thompson. His version of "Tonight Will Be Fine" was only a slight notch below Antony's imho. Thompson's vocal strength and sensitivity are superb. I'm a new fan of his stuff as well.

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[–] p-berry 17 years ago

I thought it was amazing too, and am here in this thread looking for who the guy was who sang it. It was a bit odd to hear that come out of someone who (to be honest) looked to me like he might have escaped from some institution. But it was extremely remarkable IMHO. I was ready to switch channels when .. wow.

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[–] cherubalways 17 years ago

His name is Antony. I looked him up on Wikiepedia strangely enough. Amazing.

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[–] Cheetah-6 17 years ago

I thought Anthony's performance was amazing and absolutely mesmerizing! In case your new to him and looking for info his full name is Antony Hegarty and he's the front man for Antony and the Johnsons.

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[–] anavrinin 17 years ago

ya, just saw it for the second time. my friend made me sit down and watch it before a night of partying, and it totally stayed with me for the night. despite his ridiculous outfit, lip gloss and glitter, it was a completely haunting performance. loved it.

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[–] mkpicazred 17 years ago

I "stole" this movie from someone who lives in my apt. building and ordered it from Netflix (foolish postal worker, leaving a DVD out of the proper recipient's mailbox--this is the second time I've lucked out.) Strangely I decided to watch this one because Rufus Wainwright was listed as one of the performers and his performance isn't all that memorable. In fact Wainwright's story-telling contribution (the little interview where he confesses to meeting Mr. Cohen at his home in his underwear) is more lively than his performance. I played it over the weekend and was surprised to find it so interesting--esp. Antony's performance. I too was a little wary when I saw him step on stage because his lack of self confidence seemed pretty apparent. He looked as though he was just going to plow through his song, mumbling into the mic, eyes cast downward. Who would have guessed this would be the most touching and affecting piece? And they put Nick Cave on the DVD title menu-boo! This performance plus the part in "Anthem" when the lyrics "While the killers in high places say their prayers out loud" elicits an eruption of cheers from the crowd were the seminal moments of the film.

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[–] bhoover247 17 years ago

Anthem was also a very moving song. The singer seems to be surprised at the burst of cheers of the the line "While the killers in high places say their prayers out loud". What do you think this is in reference to? Possibly the current president of the United States.

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] jake_lex 17 years ago

If I were just listening to a CD of this concert, I'd put this at the top of the whole thing. But seeing his really bizarre, off-putting stage presence really took me out of it. I'm not particularly proud of it, but I can't really help it, and I do feel a bit better about myself that I'm not the only one who thought that.

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[–] savage_lucy 17 years ago

Transcendent. I've had Antony & the Johnsons' album I Am a Bird Now since it came out a couple of years ago, and absolutely love it, but I'd never seen him perform until I'm Your Man. His appearance was certainly a bit of a shock!
I'd heartily recommend seeking out I Am A Bird Now (I think it won the Mercury Prize the year it came out) and Antony's guest appearance on the CocoRosie track "Beatiful Boyz."

"Supposedly it was an accident but, you know... he was distraught."

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[–] sword4hire 16 years ago

Not even close.... Like most of the covers in the docu, I couldn't STAND If It Be Your Will.....

Leonard deserved better

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[–] 16 years ago

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[–] Courteousman 10 years ago

Yes tears were streaming down my face when I saw this in the movie theatre. It is the most emotional expression during a song I've ever seen so yes I would agree with you!

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[–] jquick99 9 years ago

For the people who didn't dig his performance, I wonder if they watched it on tv or in the theatre. Much more powerful when seen on the big screen in the theatre, which doesn't come across on the tv.

Kinda like Stop Making Sense. Saw it on my small TV decades ago and could never understand what the fuss was all about. Then a few years ago our downtown historic theatre showed it, and thought it friggin unbelievable...now, I get all the hype.

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[–] jquick99 9 years ago

I also wonder if people who didn't like Antony are generally intolerant of "offbeat" people...thus wouldn't like anything he did/sing.

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[–] greenbudgie 8 years ago

I'd never seen Antony before. What a voice.

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