Leonard Cohen's songs in McCabe and Mrs Miller...

...literally define the modern soundtrack of movies. We cannot imagine this incredible film without these songs.

Iconoclastic director Robert Altman decided to use actual songs in the fabulous McCabe and Mrs Miller (1971), which was pretty rare at the time. Lush, orchestrated soundtracks were the unwritten rule of movie-music at that time. As always, he broke with the trend.

These songs are heart-breakingly lovely, as the movie is also. I have seen it upwards of 20-30 times. I cry every time.

Note in this first clip, the stunningly beautiful Shelley Duvall, big favorite here at Dead Air!

Altman consistently shoots both Duvall and Julie Christie (Mrs Miller) as if they are angels, when in fact, they are working in Mrs Miller's brothel...in some shots their ringlets appear to be halos.

~*~

Leonard Cohen - Sisters of Mercy



This movie was progressive in that it was McCabe--the guy(!)--who wants love from Mrs Miller, and is upset she always expects money. She is fond of him, but her first love is opium.

Cohen's songs reflect this sadness, so perfectly:

I'm just a station on your way
I know I'm not your lover


McCabe and Mrs Miller - trailer