Review of Basquiat (1996) by Kenneth M — 02 Jan 2008
Julian Schnabel's BASQUIAT is a good character-driven biopic with a strong leaning towards artistic liberties.
Schnabel isn't concerned with detailed factuality as he is with capturing the spirit of the 1980s art world. That is a task he succeeds at very well - especially since he shot the film when SoHo was in the beginnings of Guiliani Era gentrification.
The performances though are what you're the most interested in: David Bowie's Andy Warhol is mystifying and disarming, Gary Oldman as Schnabel (redubbed "Albert Milo" in the film) is warm and direct, Benicio Del Toro is funny and sweet.
But the film really belongs to Jeffrey Wright as the title character. In his film debut, Wright gives one of the best performances of his career as a selfish, yet overwhelmed kid art star where nowhere to go but up.
Extra points for an amazing art rock soundtrack.
This review of Basquiat (1996) was written by Kenneth M on 02 Jan 2008.
Basquiat has generally received positive reviews.
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