"Besides me wanting to be an artist, I wanted to be a movie star"

In the quote "Besides me wanting to be an artist, I wanted to be a movie star", Patti Smith reveals a duality in her goals that speaks to the intricacy of specific dreams and the multifaceted nature of identity. Patti Smith, known mainly as an artist and poet, has long been commemorated for her contributions to the art world, particularly throughout the punk movement of the 1970s. Nevertheless, through this statement, she exposes another measurement of her aspirations-- the attraction of movie theater and the general public attention that includes being a film star.

This dual aspiration suggests an intersection of the individual and the performative. On one hand, Smith's desire to be an artist shows a pursuit for authenticity, self-expression, and perhaps even an existential expedition of the world through her productions. Art, in this sense, is an inward journey, a medium for communicating extensive individual facts and societal observations. It represents a devotion to craft and the frequently singular process of bringing one's vision to life.

On the other hand, the aspiration to be a film star aligns more with a public persona, fame, and the glamour associated with the silver screen. The life of a movie star is often perceived as one of visibility and impact, reaching a broad audience through significant storytelling and fascinating performances. It embodies a more external form of recognition and effect, where art fulfills commerce, and individual success is measured by public recognition and adoration.

Smith's declaration encapsulates a common human experience-- the balancing act between different aspects of one's identity and desires. It highlights the tension in between introspective pursuits and the craving for extensive recognition, raising concerns about the nature of success and satisfaction. Ultimately, her words remind us that people are complicated, and their goals can concurrently reside in relatively disparate worlds, each contributing to the richness of their individual and imaginative journey.