New Cohen-inspired movie - Take This Waltz

[Adrian]

Such passionate and deep association underscores the wonder of a great song. It's very giving, and we each take what we want and need from it.

Not long ago Leonard Cohen was asked by Rolling Stone magazine what particular covers of "Hallelujah" he enjoys. Leonard cited two favourites: Bon Jovi's - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ctNquxzSG4 and kd lang's - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAtc-aj7CV4 The latter video's from the 2005 Canadian Juno Awards ceremony which Anjani and Leonard attended. Anjani is widely quoted as saying after this performance by kd "(we) looked at each other and said, 'well,... It's really been done to its ultimate blissful state of perfection'.'''

Both Bon Jovi and kd lang sing "shoot somebody" (rather than "shoot at") when they cover the song.

As a creator Leonard appears as giving as his songs. As blogger This Charming Sir commented earlier this week, "Hallelujah" is a songwriting masterpiece, and, in the end, it's indestructible. I've yet to hear Feist's rendition of "Take This Waltz" - it likely demonstrates further Cohen brilliance in that original creation.

[HelenD]

Getting back to the movie (although the discussion on Hallelujah is very interesting) - anyone know if it is coming to the UK anytime soon?

Helen

[sebmelmoth2003]

le movie est arrivé!

simon mayo is joined by boyd hilton and nigel floyd to review the week's new films including ...take this waltz.

1 hour and 40 minutes into programme approx - listen again or podcast.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lv3jh
------------
the movie will also be reviewed tonight on saturday review but i won't be listening - two of the reviewers irritate me

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lz7yh

[tomsakic]

Very positive review in yesterday's Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2012/aug ... ltz-review

Sarah Polley's beautifully acted film about a marriage in crisis and an liberating affair is truthful and moving

...

Take This Waltz is so truthful and honest a film that on the rare occasions it hits a false note or becomes over-explicit or sentimental, it really jars. Like the Cohen song, Polley's movie touches on familiar feelings and evokes common experiences in a way that goes beyond what can be explained or paraphrased.

[sebmelmoth2003]

OTOH...

dan carrier reviews it in the camden new journal.

i get the feeling that he didn't enjoy it

...my toes curled in every scene.

Perhaps the fact it annoyed me so much means it is, subliminally, good?

No.

It was excruciating...

...I despised it, perhaps more than I have ever despised a film, ever. It’s ridden with moralistic, preachy awfulness, and the hushed, whispered way each line is delivered, the shallow Boden-lifestyle characters, and Margot’s grotesquely childlike kookiness made my muscles spasm...

...It was about as appetising as the matter in a blocked-up plughole in a municipal bath.

Forget the popcorn – pack a sickbag.

http://www.camdennewjournal.com/reviews ... take-waltz

[tomsakic]

The film is more or less getting bad reviews I think. But that doesn't mean anything to us because it is not in any way connected to Cohen's work. I only regret that people can use the title of his songs as their titles.

[Stamatina]

I just watched the movie and I liked it very much. My only problem is that it should have ended earlier instead of going on and on and on. I guess I could say that I just didn't like the ending, only by "ending" I am referring to the last twenty five - thirty minutes.

Still, though: it's very artistic and enjoyable. The director did a good job and I think that at various points in dialogue you can see she's been actually listening to Leonard Cohen in her life. Which can only be good.

Also: have fun recognizing the cover of Closing Time by anything other than the lyrics. It was amazing to realize that the song was playing in the movie, but it took me a while to figure it out.

Good movie - recommended.

[abby]

It's such a strangely delicious experience to like something that you also hate, you know? The main character was so good and so real and totally reprehensible. I also wish it had ended earlier, but not at the dream 30 years on- that made me want to puke. I'm not a fan of happy endings (call me a sicko, it's ok), and the ending of this was just sad enough to make me feel good.

When I was younger I made a deal with someone to meet 15 years in the future but that was two years ago and I think he forgot. I didn't forget, but I also didn't say anything. I wonder if he ever thinks of me...

[AlanM]

Attention Australian members.
"Take This Waltz" (the movie/film) will be broadcast on SBS2 at 8:30pm on Monday 14th September.

Alan

[B4real]

Thanks Alan, I've just noticed your post. I'll have a look at it tomorrow night.
btw...SBS is my favourite TV channel, in fact I'm watching an excellent programme on SBS1 at the moment - Earth From Space