Basquiat

Jeffrey Wright could hardly have chosen a more mythical figure for his first starring role on film than Jean-Michel Basquiat. Determined to rise up through the heady New York art scene of the 70s and 80s, the American graffiti artist became the brightest star of neo-Expressionist painting and one of the most successful painters of his time—even developing a friendship with Andy Warhol (David Bowie, in an excellent turn). Made by Basquiat’s friend Julian Schnabel, this impressionistic portrait captures both Basquiat’s creative genius and self-destructive impulses with a riveting central performance by Wright.