Details
Movie Description
An insider's look at the kinetic New York art world, told through the life story of Jean-Michel Basquiat. A black, 19-year-old graffiti artist who catapulted to superstardom with his controversial paintings, Basquiat rubbed elbows with the likes of Andy Warhol and Julian Schnabel before burning out permanently at the age of 27. Schnabel, himself a celebrated figure in the art world, makes his directing debut.
Synopsis
At age 19, Jean Michel Basquiat was a poor, struggling graffiti artist. Eight years later, he was one of the most famous, acclaimed painters in the world -- and dead of a heroin overdose.
"Basquiat" details the tumultuous years in between, concentrating on his meteoric rise within Soho's trendy art world. The charismatic but self-destructive Basquiat had his share of personal demons, including his mother's mental illness, and his hatred of middle-class society... which courted and exploited him. The young artist's heroin addiction eventually led to his death, extinguishing a great talent in the process.
Film Notes
Shown in competition at the 1996 Venice Film Festival.
Released theatrically in New York City August 9, 1996.
Color by DuArt.
Directorial debut for Julian Schnabel.
Additional cast: Chuck Pfeiffer (Tom Kruger).
Additional credits: Peter Brant, Joseph Allen, Michiyo Yoshizaki (executive producers).
Story developed by Michael Thomas Holman.
Industry Reviews
"...Fascinating....[Wright] gives a vivid, near-poetic performance..." -- Rating: B+
Gleiberman
"...An illustrious cast of terrific actors that includes Benicio Del Toro, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper and, probably best of all, David Bowie in a brilliant Warhol impersonation..."
Variety - Emanuel Levy (08/05/1996)
"...As much an evocative thesis on creativity as a sensitive biography of a single artist....This is a bold, often beautiful film..."
Sight and Sound - Stella Bruzzi (04/01/1997)
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