Julian Schnabel’s tribute to his friend and fellow painter Jean-Michel Basquiat is less a conventional biopic than an impressionistic, sensory immersion into the mythic downtown-Manhattan art world of the 1980s. Jeffrey Wright—appearing in his first lead film role—portrays the visionary artist whose ascent from graffiti tagger to international art star forces him to grapple with the pressures of sudden fame, systemic racism, addiction, and the struggle for autonomy in America. Featuring an ensemble that includes an unforgettable performance by David Bowie as Andy Warhol, Schnabel’s directorial debut—presented here in his luminous new black-and-white remaster—is a profoundly expressive elegy for a brilliant life cut tragically short.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 2024 Black-and-White Version Restoration | Director-approved 4K digital restoration with DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. |
| Audio Commentary | Commentary with Julian Schnabel and writer/curator Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan. |
| 1996 Theatrical Version | New 4K digital restoration of the original release version of the film. |
| Interview with Jeffrey Wright | Newly recorded interview with the film’s lead actor. |
| 1996 Schnabel & Bowie Interview | Archival conversation with Julian Schnabel and David Bowie. |
| Trailer | Original theatrical trailer. |
| Subtitles | English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. |
| Booklet Essay | Includes an essay by film scholar Roger Durling. |