An insider's look at the kinetic New York art world, told through the life story of Jean-Michel Basquiat. A black, 19-year-old graffiti artist who catapulted to superstardom with his controversial paintings, Basquiat rubbed elbows with the likes of Andy Warhol and Julian Schnabel before burning out permanently at the age of 27. Schnabel, himself a celebrated figure in the art world, makes his directing debut.

At age 19, Jean Michel Basquiat was a poor, struggling graffiti artist. Eight years later, he was one of the most famous, acclaimed painters in the world -- and dead of a heroin overdose.
"Basquiat" details the tumultuous years in between, concentrating on his meteoric rise within Soho's trendy art world. The charismatic but self-destructive Basquiat had his share of personal demons, including his mother's mental illness, and his hatred of middle-class society... which courted and exploited him. The young artist's heroin addiction eventually led to his death, extinguishing a great talent in the process.

Shown in competition at the 1996 Venice Film Festival.

Released theatrically in New York City August 9, 1996.

Color by DuArt.

Directorial debut for Julian Schnabel.

Additional cast: Chuck Pfeiffer (Tom Kruger).

Additional credits: Peter Brant, Joseph Allen, Michiyo Yoshizaki (executive producers).

Story developed by Michael Thomas Holman.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Letterbox - 1.85
Additional Release Material:
Trailers
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus

Distributor Notes: Basquiat

BASQUIAT chronicles the meteoric rise to fame of the gifted and charismatic young New York artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, as he emerged from the streets of the East Village to become an internationally renowned sensation.

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Jeffrey Wright: Actor/"Basquiat"
Claire Forlani: Actress
Benicio Del Toro: Actor, TRAFFIC (2000)
Michael Wincott: British Supporting Actor
David Bowie: British Musician/Actor
Dennis Hopper: American actor/director
Gary Oldman: British actor, SID AND NANCY/TRUE ROMANCE
Christopher Walken: Oscar-winning American actor, THE DEER HUNTER
Willem Dafoe: American Actor
Jean Claude Le Marre: 
Parker Posey: Actress
Elina Löwensohn: Actress/"Simple Men"
Paul Bartel: Actor/Director
Courtney Love: Singer, actress
Tatum O'Neal: Oscar Winning Actress, PAPER MOON
Brian Wright: 

Julian Schnabel: Director/Screenwriter

"...As much an evocative thesis on creativity as a sensitive biography of a single artist....This is a bold, often beautiful film..."
"...Schnabel's exceptional film honors his friend by showing the act of creation as a natural high..."
"...Fascinating....[Wright] gives a vivid, near-poetic performance..." -- Rating: B+
"...A surprisingly voluminous cast of usual suspects from the world of independent cinema..."
"...An illustrious cast of terrific actors that includes Benicio Del Toro, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper and, probably best of all, David Bowie in a brilliant Warhol impersonation..."