

Basquiat
The brief life of Jean Michel Basquiat, a world renowned New York street artist struggling with fame, drugs and his identity.
Critics Sentiment
Basquiat enters the Manhattan gallery and art dealer scene
Basquiat becomes completely isolated by fame and drug addiction
The film's sharpest decline occurs as Warhol's death sends Basquiat into complete isolation, dropping from collaborative artistic highs to devastating personal lows.
Critics praised the authentic 1980s NYC art world recreation and standout performances, especially David Bowie as Warhol, but found the film lacking in character depth and insight into what drove Basquiat's artistry. The sentiment arc follows Basquiat's rise from street artist to gallery success, then his tragic descent into drug addiction and isolation. While reviewers appreciated Jeffrey Wright's understated performance and the film's artistic authenticity, many felt it failed to truly capture the essence of what made Basquiat a compelling artist beyond his troubled lifestyle.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 52
Jeffrey Wright
Jean Michel Basquiat

Michael Wincott
Rene Ricard

Benicio del Toro
Benny Dalmau

Claire Forlani
Gina Cardinale

David Bowie
Andy Warhol

Dennis Hopper
Bruno Bischofberger

Gary Oldman
Albert Milo

Christopher Walken
The Interviewer

Willem Dafoe
The Electrician

Jean-Claude La Marre
Shenge

Parker Posey
Mary Boone

Elina Löwensohn
Annina Nosei

Paul Bartel
Henry Geldzahler

Courtney Love
Big Pink

Tatum O'Neal
Cynthia Kruger

Chuck Pfeiffer
Tom Kruger

Rockets Redglare
Rockets
Esther G. Schnabel
Esther Milo
Jack Schnabel
Jack Milo

Lola Schnabel
Jacqueline Milo
Crew
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