Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child

Apr 12 2011 Not Rated 1h 28m
Documentary

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.

Plot

Director Tamra Davis pays homage to her friend in this definitive documentary but also delves into Basquiat as an iconoclast. His dense, bebop-influenced neoexpressionist work emerged while minimalist, conceptual art was the fad; as a successful black artist, he was constantly confronted by racism and misconceptions. Much can be gleaned from insider interviews and archival footage, but it is Basquiat's own words and work that powerfully convey the mystique and allure of both the artist and the man.

Written by

Eric Martin, Lois Vossen

Directed by

Tamra Davis

Cast

Jean Michel Basquiat, Julian Schnabel, Larry Gagosian

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Oscilloscope

Languages

English

Awards

1 win & 1 nomination

Trailers
Jean-Michel Basquiat : The Radiant Child-- TRAILER.m4v
Scores
# of Votes
2,517
Average Rating
7.7 out of 10
Metascore
74
Popularity
NA