THE subject of this documentary is a Georgia rock musician, drag queen and amphetamine addict who died of AIDS the day after his 39th birthday.

He went only by the name Benjamin – and Smoke was the last of several bands he sang with.

Benjamin’s admirers included REM’s Michael Stipe, who co-produced this film.

Filmmakers Jem Cohen and Peter Sillen offer only the briefest snippets of Benjamin’s performances. Mostly he’s seen – or heard, superimposed over photographs – as a ravaged waif talking about his life as drug addict.

Benjamin was undeniably some kind of presence, but “Benjamin Smoke” is a rather morbid celebration of his excesses.

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BENJAMIN SMOKE

Running time: 80 minutes. Not rated. At the Screening Room, Varick and Canal streets.