Jean-Michel Basquiat (Jeffrey Wright) was just an antisocial street bum writing graffiti on alley walls before he became part of Andy Warhol’s (David Bowie) eccentric art scene. Soon, the talented tagger became a widely praised figure in the New York City art world. As in many cases though, fame came at a high price, and Basquiat’s rapid progression from cardboard boxes to penthouse was also accompanied by the loss of friendship, love and eventually, his life. Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Michael Wincott, Benicio Del Toro, Claire Forlani, David Bowie
Directed by: Julian Schnabel
Runtime: 106 minutes
Studio: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
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Julian Schnabel’s biopic tells the story of renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat who went from unknown graffiti artist in the 1970s to being a renowned postmodern/neo expressionist artist in the 1980s. Basquiat (Jeffrey Wright) begins very humbly, living in cardboard boxes, spraying graffiti on walls and only seeing an upturn in fortune when he meets and falls in love with Gina (Claire Forlani). When not using graffiti to express himself, Basquiat paints and dreams of fame. A chance encounter with Andy Warhol (David Bowie) proves to be something of a turning point for him.
In the 1980s Basquiat works with Warhol and also begins showing his work, receiving rave reviews in the process. He is the hottest property in New York and with fame comes a strain on his relationship with Gina. Basquiat goes from being monogamous to seeking sex with other women, enjoying all the attention that comes his way. His drug use from his late teens continues into adulthood and an old friendship with Benny (Benicio del Toro) also sours as Basquiat becomes more immersed in his own genius. Through vivid imagery, Basquiat pictures the skyline as a surfer enjoying the waves at the outset but when he is famous only the ocean remains. Basquiat’s true freedom comes in his early days, destitute and able to express himself without being truly known. Once he is world renowned, the many pressures and expectations begin to weigh heavily on him and his drug uses is exacerbated.
Basquiat is an enthralling depiction of the life of a young man who was a born artist but succumbed to the many pressures that fame entails. Any story of a life cut short is always a sad one and Basquiat’s tale is no exception. If, like me, you know little about Jean-Michel Basquiat then this film is a good place to start.
Verdict: 4/5
(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)
About the Author:
I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school. In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu's Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I'm a lover of films, games, books and blogging. I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats - Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.
David M. Brown – who has written 763 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.
