Basquiat

Basquiat is a film directed by Julian Schnabel is based on the life of African-American "avante-garde" artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Basquiat used his graffiti roots as a foundation to create collage-style paintings on canvas. His surroundings and lifestyle in New York contributed and featured in his basic images, along with seemingly-unrelated words and phrases placed among the colours. His style was described as nervous, fierce and energetic.

As director, Schnabel can't seem to resist painting himself into the film by adding the fictional stand-in character, Albert Milo, based on Schnabel. Schnabel also leaves a bit more of himself in the film by adding cameo appearances by his own mother, father, and daughter. [All as the character Milo's family.] Not to be left out entirely, Julian Schnabel is an extra in a scene at Mr. Chows restaurant where Basquiat and Warhol are dining.

The estate of Basquiat would not grant permission for his work to be used in the film. Schnabel himself did the fantastic reproductions of Basquiat's work that appeared in the film.

Jeffrey Wright is amazing in his portrayal of Jean-Michel Basquiat as is David Bowie as Basquiat's friend and mentor Andy Warhol. Additional cast include Gary Oldman, Michael Wincott, Claire Forlani, Courtney Love and Benicio Del Toro in excellent supporting roles. Vincent Gallo, a friend and former band mate of Basquiat's also has a small cameo appearance.