1996
Jean-Michel Basquiat, a young, talented, and troubled Haitian-Puerto Rican artist, struggles with homelessness and drug use in New York City while pursuing his artistic dreams. Art critic Rene Ricard discovers Basquiat, championing his work and introducing him to the art world, leading to his first gallery show with Annina Nosei. Basquiat's career takes off, and he forms a close friendship and artistic collaboration with Andy Warhol, but his increasing fame and drug addiction strain his relationships, particularly with his girlfriend Gina. Following Warhol's sudden death, Basquiat spirals further into addiction and isolation, unable to cope with the loss of his mentor and the pressures of his success. The film concludes with Basquiat's tragic death from a drug overdose, found passed out on the street by his friend Benny, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking art.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Basquiat follows Jean-Michel’s rise from anonymous street artist to celebrated painter, his struggles with relationships and addiction, and the impact of his mentor Andy Warhol’s death.
Open full beat sheetJean Michel Basquiat is listed as Protagonist / Artist. A young, talented, and troubled Haitian-Puerto Rican artist living in New York City. In the parsed data, Jean Michel Basquiat is connected to 35 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
35 scenes / 10 dialogue linesGina Cardinale is listed as Waitress / Girlfriend. A young woman who works at Leskho's and becomes Basquiat's girlfriend. In the parsed data, Gina Cardinale is connected to 8 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
8 scenes / 2 dialogue linesRene Ricard is listed as Art Critic / Poet. A raggedy dandy and influential art critic who champions Basquiat. In the parsed data, Rene Ricard is connected to 7 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
7 scenes / 4 dialogue linesAndy Warhol is listed as Artist / Mentor. A famous pop artist who becomes a mentor and friend to Basquiat. In the parsed data, Andy Warhol is connected to 6 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 23.
6 scenes / 2 dialogue linesBenny is listed as Musician / Friend. A tall Puerto Rican musician and friend of Basquiat. In the parsed data, Benny is connected to 6 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 4.
6 scenes / 1 dialogue linesAlbert Milo is listed as Artist. A successful contemporary artist in the New York scene. In the parsed data, Albert Milo is connected to 5 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 31.
5 scenes / 1 dialogue linesAnnina Nosei is listed as Gallery Owner. A sophisticated art dealer who gives Basquiat his first gallery space. In the parsed data, Annina Nosei is connected to 5 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 11.
5 scenes / 1 dialogue linesBruno Bischofberger is listed as Art Dealer. A wealthy Swiss art dealer. In the parsed data, Bruno Bischofberger is connected to 4 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 32.
4 scenes / 1 dialogue linesLeshko is listed as Restaurant Owner. The burly owner of Leskho's restaurant. In the parsed data, Leshko is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 4.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue linesMatilde Basquiat is listed as Mother. Jean's mother, who suffers from mental illness. In the parsed data, Matilde Basquiat is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue linesA dream sequence featuring a young boy and his mother looking at Picasso's Guernica, where the boy experiences a vision of a crown.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Matilde BasquiatJean Michel Basquiat sleeps in a cardboard box while a voiceover discusses the myth of the unrecognized genius.
Jean Michel BasquiatRene Ricard writes in a notebook while Jean emerges from his cardboard box.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Rene RicardJean visits the restaurant, interacts with Gina, and is eventually kicked out by Leshko.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Gina Cardinale, Benny, LeshkoJean works on paintings while Gina sleeps, then they argue about his painting on her clothes.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Gina CardinaleBenny and friends arrive, Gina leaves.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Gina Cardinale, BennyJean self-harms by hitting his head against the fridge.
Jean Michel BasquiatGina returns to find Jean unresponsive from drug use.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Gina CardinaleJean and Benny buy drugs.
Jean Michel Basquiat, BennyJean meets Rene Ricard at a party.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Rene Ricard, BennyJean exhibits his work and meets Annina Nosei.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Rene Ricard, Gina Cardinale, Annina NoseiJean asks Gina to marry him, but she is asleep.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Gina CardinaleAnnina Nosei visits to see Jean's work.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Gina Cardinale, Annina NoseiJean and Benny argue in a taxi.
Jean Michel Basquiat, BennyJean works in his new studio space.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Rene Ricard, Albert Milo, Annina NoseiJean orders food at McDonalds.
Jean Michel BasquiatJean meets a woman on the street.
Jean Michel BasquiatBasquiat tries to give a scarf to a girl he calls Big Pink, who refuses his offer of a McDonald's meal.
Jean Michel BasquiatBasquiat gives Gina the scarf he bought.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Gina CardinaleA crowded gallery opening for Basquiat.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Rene Ricard, Andy Warhol, Albert Milo, Annina Nosei, Bruno BischofbergerA glamorous dinner where Basquiat draws on a book and Rene causes a scene.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Rene Ricard, Andy Warhol, Albert Milo, Annina Nosei, Bruno BischofbergerAn interviewer questions Basquiat about his life and art.
Jean Michel BasquiatJean visits Andy at The Factory and observes Frank peeing on a canvas. They discuss wigs and piss paintings.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Andy WarholJean and Andy collaborate on a painting, arguing about artistic choices and their personal relationship.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Andy WarholAndy receives a gift from Jean: a football helmet with dreadlocks.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Andy WarholA crowded party at Jean's loft. Jean signs magazines and interacts with various guests including Rammellzee and Christine.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Rene Ricard, Andy Warhol, Bruno BischofbergerJean leaves his own party in a limo.
Jean Michel BasquiatJean encounters kids stealing his art; they beat him up.
Jean Michel BasquiatJean works on a painting with Shenge while dealing with visitors.
Jean Michel BasquiatJean visits Mary Boone to discuss representation.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Albert MiloJean visits Albert Milo and they discuss the art world.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Albert MiloJean learns of Andy Warhol's death from Bruno.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Bruno BischofbergerJean mourns Andy while watching videos.
Jean Michel BasquiatJean tries to visit his mother.
Jean Michel Basquiat, Matilde BasquiatBenny finds Jean passed out on the street.
Jean Michel Basquiat, BennyThe only thing popular about it is that it's written about in newspapers. I'm surprised when anybody comes to my openings.
Get a fucking decorator. If you buy one, you'll have to change your whole lives - maybe even sell your kids!
The Devil, man. Rene Ricard. Art critic - writes for Artforum. People read him. Tell him who you are..
In this town one is at the mercy of the recognition factor. One's public appearance is absolute.
A little more to the right, Frank. OK... Good. Now up... You got a little more?
I'd love to see some more of your work... Where's your studio?
Andy, man, thanks for coming. I'd like to paint your jacket.
Thanks again for not inviting me. I'm only here on business.
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