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Basquiat (1996)

Basquiat (1996)
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Andy Warhol was a phenomenon who warrants a lot of explaining: a completely colorless mega-star celebrity, and a kind of LaBrea Tarpit for a vivid and talented collection of oddballs in the New York scene. He fostered their continued degeneration into weird lifestyles and heavy drug use; and at the same time acted as their mentor, agent, and sponsor. One artist who came to be part of Warhol's "scene" was Jean Michel Basquiat, an antisocial street-bum who went from writing graffiti on alley walls to being the toast of New York City's art world. This film biography chronicles the progression of Basquiat (Jeffrey Wright) and his progression from living in cardboard boxes to penthouses, his romances, his drug use, and his death in 1988 at age 27. Along the way, he never stopped detesting the rich, including art agent Bruno Bischofberger (Dennis Hopper), and he never lost his naivete. Warhol (David Bowie) picks up some of the pieces as Basquiat lurches through the art scene. Cameo appearances by Tatum O'Neal and Courtney Love add spice to this interesting film. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

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Starring:
Jeffrey Wright, Michael Wincott, (more)
Director(s):
Julian Schnabel
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Basquiat

Andy Warhol was a phenomenon who warrants a lot of explaining: a completely colorless mega-star celebrity, and a kind of LaBrea Tarpit for a vivid and talented collection of oddballs in the New York scene. He fostered their continued degeneration into weird lifestyles and heavy drug use; and at the same time acted as their mentor, agent, and sponsor. One artist who came to be part of Warhol's "scene" was Jean Michel Basquiat, an antisocial street-bum who went from writing graffiti on alley walls to being the toast of New York City's art world. This film biography chronicles the progression of Basquiat (Jeffrey Wright) and his progression from living in cardboard boxes to penthouses, his romances, his drug use, and his death in 1988 at age 27. Along the way, he never stopped detesting the rich, including art agent Bruno Bischofberger (Dennis Hopper), and he never lost his naivete. Warhol (David Bowie) picks up some of the pieces as Basquiat lurches through the art scene. Cameo appearances by Tatum O'Neal and Courtney Love add spice to this interesting film. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
106 mins

Complete Cast of Basquiat


Director(s):
Julian Schnabel
Writer(s):
Julian Schnabel, John Bowe
Producer(s):
Sigurjon Sighvatsson, Randy Ostrow, Jon Kilik
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Questionable for Children, Profanity, Adult Situations)
Categories:
Independent Films
Basquiat Awards:
  • 1996 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Supporting Actor
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Bill C.

If you admire creatives, and sympathize with their struggles to find their way, you'll enjoy this. This world was never meant for one As beautiful as you. Particulary appealing if you're interested in, learning to appreciate as I am, the expression of modern artists. But mostly a well crafted and acted look at the struggles of an artist. I enjoyed the looks at how he worked, even if made up, it gave a glimpse in how the visual of what a modern artist sees might come into being.

Yes   |   No

 
Andy G.

Art can be seen differently by each eye that glances upon it. Some will see it as innovative creative pieces of the mind, while others will simply see squiggles and markings on any plain surface. That is how I felt with Basquiat. Throughout the entire story of his humble beginnings as a graffiti artist living on the streets until finally reaching the pinnacle of his existence (thanks to his friend Andy Warhol). Being a fan of Warhol’s work, I was eager to fully immerse myself in this film and see yet another soul touched by the aura of this infamous artist. Sadly, this eagerness flopped when I was ravished with poor editing and horrendous direction. Thankfully there was the brilliant Jeffery Wright to make up for the errors caused by director Julian Schnabel. Wright, courageous enough to play Basquiat, stands as the center of this film while everyone else just seems to falter around him. Overall, this was a decent film.

Yes   |   No

 
George H.

This is a wonderful movie which stays on point in portraying the brief life of Basquiat. His natural genius,his POV in seeing the world differently,is a gift...but the lonliness in the loss of friends is a dear price to pay.

Yes   |   No

 
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