Dreams of Life: Patti Smith documentary examines life of New York punk poet and singer

In the late 1960s, Patti Smith left her family and New Jersey home on a bus headed for New York City. Obsessed with late 19th century symbolist poets Arthur Rimbaud and William Blake, and ignited by late 20th century beat and counter-culture, she burned with a dream of finding her own muse.

Nearly twelve years in the making, Steven Sebring's brilliant film captures the artist's passionate search through the decades, a trajectory that encompassed critical acclaim for her music, as a mother and housewife living in St. Clair Shores (after she married the late MC5 guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith) and her reemergence as a political activist. Shot on black and white 16mm film as a collaboration between the director and his subject, the film is an unforgettable portrait of a legendary artist as everywoman.

Showtimes for Patti Smith: Dream of Life: Friday, Nov. 13, 7 and 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 15, 7 and 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 16, 4 p.m. After the Nov. 16 screening, a lecture and discussion will be held in the Crystal Gallery. Coffee & cookies will be served.

The featured speaker is Jane Fader is a PhD student at Wayne State University who also teaches video production and TV criticism.    

Tickets are $7.50, or $6.50 for DIA members. The Detroit Film Theatre is accessed through the John R entrance of the Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit.