TheExpatriate700 Patti Smith: Dream of Life is a frankly disappointing documentary which gives little real insight into its subject. Made by Patti Smith herself, the film tends to gloss over large sections of her life, without giving viewers an understanding of their significance. Even more annoyingly, given that its musical focus, it is largely lacking in concert footage.For example, although the film mentions Smith's friendship with Robert Mapplethorpe, it fails to delve into what influence he might have had on Smith's artistry. Given that this case represented two of the major artists of the twentieth century living together, one would have thought this would merit a sustained discussion.The lack of musical footage is also glaring. In the end, we are interested in Smith not because of her life or opinions, but because of her music. That should have been a far greater element within the piece.Ultimately, those who want to learn more about Patti Smith would be better off seeking out her memoir, or finding a good interview with her.

sonya90028 Patti Smith has always been an astonishingly iconoclastic, performing and visual artist. She's always been the most influential woman, in the Punk rock world. She really helped kick-start this exciting new genre of music, when it was still just a fringe element of the rock scene, in the mid-70s. Patti also single-handedly crafted a bold new image, of the female rock performer during the 70s. She startled the rock world with her unapologetic, devil-may-care androgynous style. Patti was the first woman in rock, to completely eschew glamor. Her clothes and shoes that she wears, have always been scruffy and disheveled. Her hair is scraggly, and she has a long, homely face. She is the complete personification, of what Punk rock is all about-brash, gritty, daring, and wickedly avant-guard.This documentary highlights Patti's exceptional achievements as a visual artist, poet, and Punk rock icon. Her personal life is completely laid open for the viewer. Patti is shown at her childhood home in a humble working class neighborhood, visiting her parents. Patti's two children also appear in this film, and she shows how proud she is of her family. The viewer plainly realizes that instead of being a decadent rock star, Patti Smith is a warm, caring, and sharply intelligent human being.This film has an arty visual style, which dovetails perfectly, with Patti Smith's status as a dedicated artist and performer. At times, the film drags on a bit. And there's a morose quality, underlying the film too. This factor is brought on mainly by Patti's intense focus, on the deaths of her spouse Fred, brother Todd, and friend Robert Mapplethorpe. It was obviously cathartic for Patti to discuss the sense of anguish that she feels, about the deaths of those she cared deeply about. That in itself is positive, but it dominated the film a bit too much.For those who are not yet familiar with Patti Smith, seeing this film is a good way to acquaint yourself with her, and her legendary accomplishments as an artist/musician. Now in her early 60s, Patti Smith still reigns supreme, as the Godmother of Punk rock.

kmet-r It is OK to make a sentimental family movie - but it is not polite to bother other people by distributing it! "Vanity" is the word that describes this movie. However, it asks couple of questions: are the artists really incapable of talking about their own work (no, not all of them, I believe)? Second, does Patti Smith really believe that her art will survive her - i.e. human being is mortal, poetry is immortal? Well, her books and Cd's are now on sale for couple of bucks, I am not sure in ten years it will be any better ... And finally, why does she treats herself as the most important thing in the universe ... thanks god for those punk bands that can make fun out of them. Well, if you have not seen this movie, you did not missed much. Play some of Patti Smith CDs instead - any of them is much better to this.

tdfrost This was my first introduction to Patti Smith. I didn't know what to expect of the film. If you are expecting a movie with actors pretending to be someone they aren't, this isn't the movie for you. This is a wonderful documentary about a fascinating person. You won't just see Patti Smith/ Punk Rocker. You'll also see Patti Smith/Mother, Daughter, Activist, Friend, Artist and more. I enjoyed this Documentary very much. 11 years in the making. You can see Patti Smith's children grow before your eye's. This movie was definitely a labor of love. I look forward to the DVD release. Thank you Steven for taking the time to do this documentary right.