










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.
Directed by Edo Bertoglio, Downtown '81 leans on a strong ensemble — Jean-Michel Basquiat, Saul Williams, Anna Shroeder — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2001.
Read More on the Blog
Loading reviews…
This film follows the remarkable and inspirational true story of Paul Potts, a shy, bullied shop assistant by day and an amateur opera singer by night.
Get weekly picks and blog posts in your inbox.
Kino Film CollectionIncluded with subscription — watch instantly Watch Now
KanopyIncluded with subscription — watch instantly Watch Now