Backdrop image for movie Downtown '81

Downtown '81 (2001)

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.

  • Drama
  • Comedy
  • Music

Top billed cast

  • Photo of Jean-Michel BasquiatJean-Michel BasquiatJean (archive footage)
  • Photo of Saul WilliamsSaul WilliamsJean's Narration (voice)
  • Photo of Anna ShroederAnna ShroederBeatrice
  • Photo of Debbie HarryDebbie HarryFairy Godmother
  • Photo of Giorgio GiomelskyGiorgio GiomelskyLandlord
  • Photo of Coati MundiCoati MundiSelf
  • Photo of Debi MazarDebi MazarPeppermint Lounge Dancer
  • Photo of George QuinonesGeorge QuinonesGraffiti Artist
  • Photo of Walter StedingWalter StedingSelf
  • Photo of Steven BrownSteven BrownSelf - Vocals, Tuxedomoon

Similar to Downtown '81