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Review

A poet and songwriter of mythic influence, Leonard Cohen has had several of his most haunting songs covered by gifted and sensitive performers over the past decade, which only serve to perpetuate his legend. “Came So Far For Beauty” is music producer Hal Willner’s concert tribute to the counterculture icon. Filmmaker Lian Lunson documented this eclectic mix of thoughtful artists who attended to pay homage to the musical genius of this soulful sybarite, a perpetual seeker of truth, goodness and beauty. Her film captures gorgeous, reverential interpretations of Cohen’s musical masterpieces by a stylistically broad lineup of performers - quiet folkies like the McGarrigle Sisters; plaintive souls Beth Orton and Rufus Wainwright; brooding crooner Nick Cave; and earnest U2 rocker Bono. All testify to Cohen’s influence on their work, and his enduring inspiration. Confident that Lunson was motivated by respectful inquiry into his creative process, the notoriously private Cohen also agreed to be interviewed extensively for the film. The payoff is enormous: Lunson has created a rich portrait of a complex artist, and his spiritual and musical quests.

 -- William Kline