SummaryThe re-issue of the 1981 film depicting a day in the life of the legendary American artist Jean Michel Basquiat (1960-1988). The cast includes Deborah Harry, and leading bands of the era including Kid Creole and the Coconuts, James White and the Blacks, DNA, Tuxedo Moon, the Plastics, and Walter Steding and the Dragon People. (Zeitgeist Films)
Directed By:Edo Bertoglio
Written By:Glenn O'Brien
Downtown 81
Metascore
Mixed or Average
54
User score
Generally Unfavorable
3.9
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
54
38% Positive
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
46% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
15% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
90
Poignant, funny, and proof of Basquiat's magic.
80
Extraordinary real-life snapshot of hip, arty, clubland Manhattan in the post-punk era.
70
Doesn't dawdle and, despite some eye-rolling dialogue, is a generally amiable time-trip.
58
Makes a great time capsule, a shot-on-the-streets glimpse into the texture of a bygone time, place and attitude, but a listless, lightweight odyssey.
50
As a piece of cinematic art, this meandering, shambolic film isn't much to speak of, but as a time capsule, it's priceless.
40
If you're a Basquiat fan, or were around in New York back then, you'll want to take a look. If not, this film has little to recommend.
37
Alternates between being amusingly pretentious and studiously dull.
User Reviews
User score
Generally Unfavorable
3.9
29% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
29% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
43% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Awards
Cannes Film Festival
• 2 Nominations
Bratislava International Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
