Synopsis

Noted documentary filmmaker Jem Cohen (along with Peter Sillen) directs this look at Benjamin, a Southern, gay, HIV positive, drug-addicted drag queen who led the blues-punk band "Smoke." Born Robert Dickerson in 1960, Benjamin played punk in Atlanta's grungy Cabbagetown section before fronting the queer-core band Opal Foxx Quartet. Thereafter, he began experimenting with such decidedly unpunk instruments as banjos and cellos and formed Smoke. As Cabbagetown lost its edgy spirit during the 1990s -- thanks to the yuppie-friendly condo boom -- so did Benjamin lose his fight against AIDS. He died of the disease early in 1999. This film was screened at the 2000 Berlin Film Festival.

What Critics Say

A bold, affirming look at one man's offbeat vision, alternately touching and humorous.

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Starring Benjamin, Patti Smith, Tim Campion, Brian Halloran and Coleman Lewis.
Directed and produced by Jem Cohen and Peter Sillen. Released by Cowboy Booking.
es: Brockovich is a torrent of profanity.

'Erin Brockovich'

Julia Roberts: Erin Brockovich

Albert Finney: Ed Masry

Aaron Eckhart: George

Marg Helgenberger: Donna Jensen

Cherry Jones: Pamela Duncan

Peter Coyote: Kurt Potter

Universal Pictures and Columbia Pictures present a Jersey Films production. Director Steven Soderbergh. Producers Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher. Written by Susannah Grant. Executive producers John Hardy, Carla Santos Shamberg. Cinematographer Ed Lachman. Editor Anne V. Coates. Production design Philip Messina. Music Thomas Newman. Costumes Jeffrey Kurland. Art director Christa Munro. Set decorator Kristen Toscano Messina. Running time: 2 hours, 11 minutes.

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