Eleven years in the making, Patti Smith: Dream of Life is a unique and intimate portrait of the renowned singer, songwriter, poet and activist. Patti Smiths music, poetry, and politics are fearless, funny, raw, and original. Photographer-director Steven Sebring creates a beautiful collage of images, memories and performances illuminating the complexities and capturing the essence of this distinctive, legendary icon. The film follows Patti Smiths punk-icon roots in the 70s through the trials of daily life and untimely deaths that have formed her life and art. Smith tells the story of her early days in New York City, the people that we dearest to her (her late husband Fred Sonic Smith, Allen Ginsburg, Robert Mapplethorpe, and others), her family, and the political causes for which she so deeply struggled. Through beautiful cinematography, (both black and white, and color), Sebring captures the essence nature of this vital and relevant American artist. –amazon
heartfelt, occasionally fascinating (if a bit self-consciously "artistic") documentary about one of rock music's legitimate "living legends." smith is particularly illuminating on the subject of death.
I felt that I learnt so much more about her after this one. For all I know, she just put on an act - but I think Patti actually is who we see in Dream of Life. It felt real. I don't think this will appeal to non-fans, 'thou. But what do I know.
This is what I would call the epitome of Rock n Roll cinema. Deeply Moving and an extremely personal work of art. THe camera follows Patti Smith on a journey of finally saying goodbye to friends… read review