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| Basquiat | 
 enlarge | Director: Julian Schnabel
Actors: Jeffrey Wright, Michael Wincott, Benicio Del Toro, Claire Forlani, David Bowie
Studio: Miramax
Category: DVD
List Price: $19.99
Buy New: $6.99
You Save: $13.00 (65%)
Buy New/Used from $6.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  (89 reviews)
Sales Rank: 7934
Format: Color, Dvd-video, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), Spanish (Original Language)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD
Running Time: 108 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: DISD24181D
UPC: 786936166699
EAN: 0786936166699
ASIN: B000065V3Y
Release Date: September 3, 2002
Theatrical Release Date: August 9, 1996
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
Gripping glimpse of the 80s NYC art scene November 24, 2007
"Basquiat" tells about 4 years of the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, hit of the 1980s art world, from the days just prior to his fame to the peak of his success and the beginning of his decline into drugs. The film vastly simplifies his frenetic life, but does give a glimpse into the forces -- gallery owners, museum curators and sellers -- that shape the careers of new artistic discoveries. Basquiat found himself simultaneously pulling the levers of this system while it pulled his, each seeking maximum gain and notoriety.
Basquiat's friendship with pop-artist Andy Warhol is depicted, with David Bowie doing a wonderful impression of the eccentric older artist. Christopher Walken has a cameo as an attack interviewer, alternately praising and insulting Basquiat in order to get juicy tidbits. But Jeffrey Wright is a standout as the title artist, portraying him as a street-smart naif fascinated by self-expression. He is able to portray a man on hard drugs without resorting to caricature.
You don't have to be a fan of modern art, or of its post-modern and expressionistic offshoots to enjoy the film. Enough to know that some people see this material as worthy of collecting, showing or selling, whether from its intrinsic value, for its culture currency or for its sheer sellability. Basquiat's paintings continue to sell for enormous sums decades after his death. In some circles, that's enough to make one an important artist,. regardless of what the wider public thinks.
"Basquiat" does not go deep into the artist's life or provide a critique (positive or negative) on the world that spawns art. It did pique my interest in Basquiat and his work, and that's plenty.
 Jeffrey Wright & Schnabel reveal with beauty & love the artistic experience October 27, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I saw this movie many times in the theater, so crazy about it. Recently I checked it out from BBusters and was again so moved on the deepest levels. I am an artist and was completely satisfied visually, but that can happen in movies not about artists. The sweetness, floaty quality of Jeffrey Wright's demeanor was also terribly addictive. But more than anything was the capturing of the actual creative experience. It makes sense that some people could say this movie is a dud because they have never experienced creativity--it's joys & tortures. So why are they reviewing this unbelievably brilliant film and artistic life when they haven't entered square one yet. To me, it is the epitome of films--brilliant in every way. I kept the BB movie, and came to Amazon today to buy 2 more. As I read some of the other reviews I was stunned to learn Schnabel's other movie is "Before Night Falls" another brilliant, perfect film in every way, capturing, again, the life of joy & torture of a true artist. Thank you Schnabel. I myself have been inspired to return to doing lots & lots of art because of being reminded exactly of the amazing artistic experience. And I'll be buying 2 "Before Night Falls," also.
JMB September 6, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Clearly, this isn't the best movie that you gonna see, but it's really interesting and funny, because at least two things: One, it's always a very funny thing watching Bowie performing anything, but specially doing Warhol. The white duke is the best "fake" Andy i've ever seen. Second, the film introduces to the world a great weird and loving artist, like Samo. This is not an awesome film, but certly it is a good movie about great people.
Jeffrey Wright is memorable playing Basquiat.
A very inspiring Film August 25, 2007
I really enjoyed it. Amazing story of the late artist. David Bowie as Warhol haha so good.
Radiant Review for the Radiant Child August 7, 2007
This is one of the best movies I've ever seen! It was done well, long list of big name actors. Jefferey Wright is such an under rated actor. This movie should have put him on the map!"YOU DON'T WANNA MISS THE BOAT"!
Buy this movie!!!
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