Starting out as a street artist, living in Thompkins Square Park in a cardboard box, Jean-Michel is "discovered" by Andy Warhol's art world and becomes a star. But success has a high price, and Basquiat pays with friendship, love, and eventually, his life.
Directed by: Julian Schnabel
Written by: Julian Schnabel
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Michael Wincott, Benicio Del Toro, Claire Forlani, David Bowie, Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe, Parker Posey, Sam Rockwell
Parker's Character: Mary Boone
Release Date: August 9, 1996
Distributor: Miramax
Box Office Total: $3,011,195
Opening Weekend: $83,863 (6 theatres)
Widest Release: 109 theatres
Festivals: Venice, Singapore
Awards: Best Supporting Male (Del Toro), 1997 Independent Spirit Awards; Special Recognition, 1996 National Board of Review, USA
Nominated: Best Debut Performance (Wright), 1997 Independent Spirit Awards; Golden Lion, 1996 Venice Film Festival
