Movie Review: Benjamin Smoke Story: I am an artist. I support the arts... all of the arts... always have, always will. So when a friend of the family directs a film and it appears in town....I am there. Born Robert Dickerson, we now meet Benjamin, whose last name is now Smoke (the name of the band he appears with). We find him living in Cabbagetown, an impoverished part of Atlanta. The gay singer-songwriter is HIV positive and is addicted to speed. He occasionally appears in drag (he actually looks quite good in the blue taffeta number). In a Tom Waits-like voice (I love Tom Waits) he creates musical poetry and has developed a huge cult following. Director Jem Cohen (not the family friend - Lost Book Found, This is a History of New York) and Peter Sillen (the family friend who also did a wonderful documentary film a few years ago called Welcome to the World of Vic Chestnutt) document Smoke's life by a combination of the use of water logged still photos, live band tapes, and actual interviews with Benjamin, his band members, neighbors and the depiction of the part of Atlanta where he created his mournful work. Benjamin died last year at the age of 39. At times it is difficult to watch this film as the this unique character dissipates before our eyes. The film stays with you and rock icon, Patti Smith, who was a big fan of Benjamin's, appears reciting a song she dedicated to him after his death. Another fan, REM's Michael Stipe co-produced. Acting: This is a documentary. There is no acting. Pets: Some tropical fish and street dogs. Visual Art: Posters Soundtrack: Excellent Theater Audience: Fairly young and hip (and then there was us). Quirky Meter: 5 Oscar Worthy: No Length: 80 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 8