In a poignant and introspective documentary, Patti Smith: Dream of Life, the iconic rock goddess-poet navigates her life's journey with characteristic candor and defiance. At 61, Smith's husky contralto guides us through a whirlwind of black-and-white images and fragmented vignettes, offering glimpses into her tumultuous past, her artistic evolution, and her unwavering commitment to living life on her own terms.
Born in southern New Jersey, Smith's ascent to fame was nothing short of meteoric. She became the muse, friend, and partner of Robert Mapplethorpe, a poet, performance artist, and photographer; then, she transformed into an underground rock musician, eventually achieving stardom with albums like "Horses" and "Radio Ethiopia." After leaving her son Jackson behind for life in Michigan as a wife and mother, Smith returned to New York's vibrant art scene in the late 1990s.
Sebastian Sebring's film offers an intimate portrait of this latter Patti Smith – a woman who has weathered decades of loss, but still blazes her own trail through late middle age. While the documentary excels as a meditation on aging and mortality, it occasionally lapses into disorientation, making it difficult to discern whether Smith is in New York or Tokyo, London, Paris, Rome, Atlanta, or New Jersey.
As we witness Smith's visit to her elderly parents' graves, we're reminded that time has been relentless. Her relationships with William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, and Gregory Corso – all deceased figures from her past – are lovingly recalled through photographs and home recordings. Even Fred "Sonic" Smith's final illness is captured in poignant form.
Despite its many strengths, the film suffers from a notable absence: an unflinching exploration of Smith's feminist trailblazing and her enduring impact on popular culture. While we catch fleeting glimpses of her activism – including a memorable appearance at an antiwar rally – the documentary barely scratches the surface of this crucial aspect of her life.
One cannot help but feel that Patti Smith: Dream of Life is missing an opportunity to showcase its subject's remarkable journey, one that has inspired countless women and men with its courage, creativity, and unwavering self-expression. Perhaps Sebring chose not to emphasize this aspect due to the delicate balance required in capturing a living artist at work.
Regardless, Patti Smith: Dream of Life is a powerful and haunting tribute to an artistic legend, illuminating the trials and triumphs that have forged her into a colossus of rock, poetry, and activism.
Born in southern New Jersey, Smith's ascent to fame was nothing short of meteoric. She became the muse, friend, and partner of Robert Mapplethorpe, a poet, performance artist, and photographer; then, she transformed into an underground rock musician, eventually achieving stardom with albums like "Horses" and "Radio Ethiopia." After leaving her son Jackson behind for life in Michigan as a wife and mother, Smith returned to New York's vibrant art scene in the late 1990s.
Sebastian Sebring's film offers an intimate portrait of this latter Patti Smith – a woman who has weathered decades of loss, but still blazes her own trail through late middle age. While the documentary excels as a meditation on aging and mortality, it occasionally lapses into disorientation, making it difficult to discern whether Smith is in New York or Tokyo, London, Paris, Rome, Atlanta, or New Jersey.
As we witness Smith's visit to her elderly parents' graves, we're reminded that time has been relentless. Her relationships with William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, and Gregory Corso – all deceased figures from her past – are lovingly recalled through photographs and home recordings. Even Fred "Sonic" Smith's final illness is captured in poignant form.
Despite its many strengths, the film suffers from a notable absence: an unflinching exploration of Smith's feminist trailblazing and her enduring impact on popular culture. While we catch fleeting glimpses of her activism – including a memorable appearance at an antiwar rally – the documentary barely scratches the surface of this crucial aspect of her life.
One cannot help but feel that Patti Smith: Dream of Life is missing an opportunity to showcase its subject's remarkable journey, one that has inspired countless women and men with its courage, creativity, and unwavering self-expression. Perhaps Sebring chose not to emphasize this aspect due to the delicate balance required in capturing a living artist at work.
Regardless, Patti Smith: Dream of Life is a powerful and haunting tribute to an artistic legend, illuminating the trials and triumphs that have forged her into a colossus of rock, poetry, and activism.
, I mean, Patti Smith is like, totally iconic, you know? Her life story is so inspiring, but at the same time it's also super sad. I felt bad watching her talk about her son Jackson, it was like, really emotional 
. And can we talk about how amazing she is as an artist? Like, have you seen her live performances? 
. But what really got me thinking was when they showed all those old photos of her with William Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg... it's like, these people were total legends! 
.
She's like my ultimate icon and inspiration! The documentary "Dream of Life" is SO deep and emotional, it made me cry like 3 times 
. Okay, maybe the film could've explored more of her feminist trailblazing, but overall, it's still an amazing tribute to her life and legacy 
. I'm definitely going to watch it again... and again... and again 
. I love how the doco weaves together her art, life, and politics - it's like a rich tapestry 
. But what really gets me is how she paved the way for future generations of women in music & activism 
.
. Patti Smith: Dream of Life is a must-watch for anyone who loves art, music, or just inspiring stories 
– I mean, where's the part about all the times she fought for women's rights? That's some major feminist trailblazing right there!
the way she talks about her relationships and family is so raw and honest it's like you're hanging out with her in person. The only thing that would've made this doc even better is if they delved deeper into her impact on feminist culture & pop music 
. I'm not sure what's up with the film sometimes, it's like she's in one place for like 10 seconds and then suddenly she's in another city 
. The parts about her past relationships with William Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg are really cool, but I wish they dug deeper into her impact on feminism and pop culture 
. It's like a beautifully imperfect portrait of a life well-lived, and I'm totally here for it 
.
The way she just lays it all out there, with no filter... it's honestly really inspiring. I mean, the fact that she's still killin' it at 61 is a total testament to her strength and determination.