Storyline
The film is a day in the life of a young artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, who needs to raise money to reclaim the apartment from which he has been evicted. He wanders the downtown streets carrying a painting he hopes to sell, encountering friends, whose lives (and performances) we peek into.
Cast & Crew
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean (archive footage)
Lead
Saul Williams
Jean's Narration (voice)
AS
Anna Shroeder
Beatrice
Debbie Harry
Fairy Godmother
GG
Giorgio Giomelsky
Landlord
Coati Mundi
Self
Debi Mazar
Peppermint Lounge Dancer
GQ
George Quinones
Graffiti Artist
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Edo Bertoglio's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Downtown '81 is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
