Films
Basquiat: Rage To Riches
by BBC Studios
Basquiat: Rage to Riches dives deep into the extraordinary rise of Jean-Michel Basquiat, charting his influence on the art world and culture at large. Featuring exclusive interviews with his sisters Lisane and Jeanine Basquiat—speaking publicly for the first time—the film offers a personal and powerful perspective on his life and work.
Gallerists Bruno Bischofberger, Larry Gagosian, and Mary Boone also appear, shedding light on the art world’s role in shaping his meteoric ascent. More than a biography, this documentary captures the energy, urgency, and brilliance of Basquiat’s work—and the legacy of a voice that reshaped contemporary expression. // Learn More
The Radiant Child
Directed by Tamra Davis. Written by Eric Martin and Lois Vossen.
A thoughtful portrait of a renowned artist, this documentary shines the spotlight on New York City painter Jean-Michel Basquiat. Featuring extensive interviews conducted by Basquiat's friend, filmmaker Tamra Davis, the production reveals how he dealt with being a black artist in a predominantly white field.
The film also explores Basquiat's rise in the art world, which led to a close relationship with Andy Warhol, and looks at how the young painter coped with acclaim, `scrutiny and fame. // Learn more
Downtown 81
Directed by Edo Bertoglio, written by Glenn O’Brien, produced and art-directed by Maripol
Downtown 81 is a cinematic snapshot of a pivotal moment in New York City’s cultural history, starring a 19-year-old Jean-Michel Basquiat as himself. Filmed in 1981 but not released until 2000, the film merges narrative and documentary to capture the raw energy of the downtown art and music scene.
Directed by Edo Bertoglio and written by Glenn O’Brien, with cinematography by John McNulty, the film documents a now-legendary era where punk, hip-hop, graffiti, and avant-garde art collided. As Basquiat wanders through Lower Manhattan, we witness a rare and authentic portrait of a young artist and a city teetering on the edge of transformation. // Learn more
Basquiat
Directed by Julian Schnabel | MIRAMAX
Starring Jeffrey Wright, David Bowie, Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman, Claire Forlani, Benicio Del Toro, Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe, Courtney Love, Michael Wincott
Basquiat (1996) is a freely adapted feature-film account of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s meteoric rise from downtown NYC to global art icon. Directed by Julian Schnabel and featuring Jeffrey Wright in a breakout role, the film blends fact and fiction to portray the vibrant chaos of Basquiat’s world. Anchored by an all-star cast—including David Bowie, Gary Oldman, and Benicio Del Toro—it captures the explosive energy of the 1980s art scene. Produced by Miramax Films and Jon Kilik; a Peter Brant, Joseph Allen production. 106 minutes. Originally released in 1996. Video edition distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment in 2002. Soundtrack by John Cale. // Learn more