Films about Basquiat:
General Description:
Films about Basquiat explore the life and artistic journey of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a renowned American artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s. These films delve into Basquiat's unique style, his impact on the art world, and the struggles he faced throughout his career and personal life. Through a combination of biographical elements and artistic interpretations, these films offer a glimpse into the mind of a visionary artist.
“Basquiat”, 1996
Director: Julian Schnabel
Directed by Julian Schnabel, this biographical drama stars Jeffrey Wright as Jean-Michel Basquiat. The film follows Basquiat's rise in the art world, his relationships with other artists and celebrities, and the challenges he faced due to his rapid success.
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Michael Wincott, Benicio Del Toro, Claire Forlani, David Bowie, Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe, Jean-Claude La Marre, Parker Posey, Elina Löwensohn, Paul Bartel, Courtney Love, Tatum O'Neal, Chuck Pfeiffer, Rockets Redglare, Esther G. Schnabel, Jack Schnabel, Lola Schnabel, Peter McGough, David McDermott, Michael Chow, Stella Schnabel, Steven Randazzo, Michael Badalucco, Francis Dumaurier, Joseph R. Gannascoli, Hope Clarke, Brian Wright, Tarmo Urb, Denise Burse, Robert Alexander, Vincent Laresca, Nemo, Leonard Jackson, Dave Shelley, Fred Weller, Rene Raymond Rivera, Sam Rockwell, Ron Brice, William Seymour, Richard E. Butler, Joe Glasco, Steven Parenago, Vladamir Parenago, José Luis Ferrer, Irene Kiss, Richard the Ox, Julie Araskog;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: biography, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Basquiat” on the website imdb.com
“Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat”, 2017
Director: Sara Driver
Directed by Sara Driver, this documentary explores Basquiat's formative years in New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Through archival footage, interviews, and personal anecdotes, the film provides an intimate portrait of Basquiat's early influences and artistic development.
Starring: Alexis Adler, Jean Michel Basquiat, Fab 5 Freddy, Patricia Field, Coleen Fitzgibbon, Michael Holman, Jim Jarmusch, Jennifer Jazz, Carlo McCormick, Mary-Ann Monforton, James Nares, Glenn O'Brien, Lee Quiñones, Felice Rosser, Lucy Sante, Jack Smith, Sur Rodney Sur;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: documentary;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 78 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat” on the website imdb.com
“Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child”, 2010
Director: Tamra Davis
Directed by Tamra Davis, this documentary celebrates Basquiat's artistic legacy through interviews with the artist himself, as well as his friends, family, and collaborators. The film offers insights into Basquiat's creative process, his use of symbolism, and the profound impact he had on the art world.
Starring: Jean Michel Basquiat, Julian Schnabel, Larry Gagosian, Bruno Bischofberger, Tony Shafrazi, Fab 5 Freddy, Jeffrey Deitch, Glenn O'Brien, Maripol, Kai Eric, Nicholas Taylor, Erika Belle, David Bowes, Peter Brant, Kevin Bray, Diego Cortez, Al Diaz, America Ferrera, Nelson George, John Giorno, Fred Hoffman, Fred Hoffmann, Michael Holman, Kelle Inman, Becky Johnston, Adam Lindemann, Suzanne Mallouk, Thurston Moore, Annina Nosei, Rene Ricard, Kenny Scharf, Herbert Schorr, Lenore Schorr, Ann Temkin, Robert Farris Thompson, Stephen Torton, Andy Warhol;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child” on the website imdb.com
“The Universe of Keith Haring”, 2008
Director: Christina Clausen
Although not solely focused on Basquiat, this documentary by Christina Clausen provides valuable context and insight into the New York art scene during the 1980s, in which Basquiat played a pivotal role. The film explores the vibrant and transformative artistic landscape of the time, showcasing the work of artists like Basquiat, Keith Haring, and others.
Starring: Fab 5 Freddy, Jeffrey Deitch, Julia Gruen, Kim Hastreiter, Bill T. Jones, David LaChapelle, Hans Mayer, Samantha McEwen, Carlo McCormick, Roger Nellens, Yoko Ono, Kermit Oswald, Kenny Scharf, Bruno Schmidt, Tony Shafrazi, Drew Straub, Junior Vasquez, Gil Vazquez, Joan Haring, Allen Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Madonna, Andy Warhol;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Universe of Keith Haring” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a diverse range of perspectives on Basquiat's life and work, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of his artistic genius and the cultural impact he made during his tragically short career. Whether you're a fan of his art or simply fascinated by the art world, these films are a must-watch for anyone interested in the life and legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat.
In conclusion, the films about Jean-Michel Basquiat offer a compelling glimpse into the life of a brilliant yet troubled artist whose work transcended the boundaries of the art world and popular culture. Through various cinematic interpretations, audiences are invited to explore the complexities of his identity, the impact of his upbringing, and the turbulent relationships that shaped his career. Whether it's the biographical drama “Basquiat,” which vividly portrays his ascent and struggles, or the documentary “Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child,” which provides a nostalgic yet critical look at his legacy, these films collectively celebrate Basquiat's indelible mark on the art scene while prompting reflections on race, fame, and the often-painful pursuit of creative authenticity. Ultimately, they remind us of the ephemeral nature of life and the enduring power of art to provoke thought and inspire change.
