Basquiat
In 1981, a nineteen-year-old unknown graffiti writer took the New York art world by storm. The rest is art history.
"Jeffrey Wright is absolutely brilliant in the role of Jean-Michel Basquiat, the young American painter whose brief life spanned the explosion of money and fame that colored the art world in the 1980s... It's a terrific film, a remarkable first feature by Julian Schnabel... and the performances by Jeffrey Wright, so tender, so restrained, so charismatic, is a great piece of work, certainly worthy of Oscar consideration... it's one of the year's best movies. I know I'll see it again very soon... two thumbs up, way up for Basquiat..." Gene Siskel
Member Reviews
A rare film experience - Kyra
I loved this movie because of the realistic, unpretentious portrayal of the 70's New York art scene and the outstanding performance by J. Wright as Basquiat. The subject is treated with great sensitivity by J. Schnabel, who is also a painter. We see how Basquiat, a poor drifter, who draws graffiti on walls becames a highly acclaimed painter. At one point he seems to miss his mother who is in an asylum and who knew already when he was a child that he had talent. We see them looking at Guernica in the local museum. Andy Warhol takes an interest in him (he says "he is a REAL painter) and introduces him to his world of $3000 caviar and the art society made up of critics, reporters, buyers and wealthy people who want to invest in art. David Bowie is great as Warhol, so is the TV reporter who asks Basquiat some typical questions hoping to get something sensational. When Warhol dies, Basquiat seems to get deeper and deeper into hard drugs which finally cause his death at 28. Unfortunately, we do not see any of his actual paintings, apparently they were not available. J. Schnabel, who was also a friend of Basquiat, painted the pictures shown. Hardly ever do we see this kind of a movie, never one that mentions Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie! I can only recommend it to anyone interested in modern art and who likes movies off the beaten path, an artist's life seen through the eyes of a fellow artist.Good movie, not for everybody - buddy
I personally loved it. The film is unusual, because it portrays an unusual life.
I loved the cast and the actor's play, it was amazing !
But again, I would not recommend it to someone, who likes light Hollywood stories that have nice endings.
It is not sweet, it's bitter . I don't like sweet movies with happy endings and unrealistic stories.
I was impressed, I learned something.Art-World Films Seldom This Good - BigDiro
Don't believe the tepid reviews of this movie posted on Zip.
This is a gem of a movie - a real must-see for anyone interested in art who wants to see a realistic, character-driven portrayal of the late 70s NY art scene.
Directed by Julian Schnabel - who casts Gary Oldman in his role - a bona fide 'art star' and member of the original group centered around (David Bowie's)Andy Warhol, Basquiat tells the true story of the meteoric rise and then OD of America's most important black painter ever.
Look for great cameos by Benicio Del Toro as Jean-Michel Basquiat's best friend and by Dennis Hopper as a jet-setting culture vulture.
Great Soundtrack, nice pacing and not too heavy. It is what it was designed to be by it's multitalented director: a tribute to the short life of JMB.
Don't miss it!
>JM
Member Reviews
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A rare film experience - Kyra
I loved this movie because of the realistic, unpretentious portrayal of the 70's New York art scene and the outstanding performance by J. Wright as Basquiat. The subject is treated with great sensitivity by J. Schnabel, who is also a painter. We see how Basquiat, ...Good movie, not for everybody - buddy
I personally loved it. The film is unusual, because it portrays an unusual life.
I loved the cast and the actor's play, it was amazing !
But again, I would not recommend it to someone, who likes light Hollywood stories that have nice endings.
It ...Art-World Films Seldom This Good - BigDiro
Don't believe the tepid reviews of this movie posted on Zip.
This is a gem of a movie - a real must-see for anyone interested in art who wants to see a realistic, character-driven portrayal of the late 70s NY art scene.
Directed by Julian Schnabel - ...