Movieo
Poster for Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child

2010 · 1h 28m · N/A Documentary
Directed by Tamra Davis

Seen it?

Overview

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.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
85%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Tamra Davis's documentary does serve as a worthy companion to Julian Schnabel's 1996 biopic.

Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Fresh

In the end the art must speak for the artist; Davis wisely stands aside and lets the magical images tell their tales.

Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Fresh

A touching portrait that may not be the last word on the painter, but has facts and context to burn.

Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
Fresh

The intimate, home video footage -- which has never been shown -- feels poignant, a throwback to Basquiat's early days on the New York scene when he got by on his good looks, an elusive inner confidence, and the generosity of others.

Sebastian Smee, Boston Globe
Rotten

[Davis] underplays the place of drugs in the downtown club scene, treating the artist's heroin use as a nearly unaccountable late affliction.

Kenneth Baker, San Francisco Chronicle

Comments

Talk about the film with other members

More films