Basquiat (1996) is a piercing look into the ’80s art market seen through the eyes of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. A young graffiti artist of Haitian and Puerto-Rican descent, Basquiat is discovered by gallery owner Annina Nosei in 1981. He is thrust headlong into the Manhattan art scene, a hype engine fueled by young artists and wealthy collectors.

From the one-line witticisms of the prophet SAMO to collaborative works with Andy Warhol, the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat speaks volumes about the prejudice, classism, and consumerism he encountered during his career. As he transitions from working primarily as a graffiti artist to more conventional art, Basquiat is faced with a difficult choice between gaining acceptance from the art community or remaining loyal to the friends who have supported him. He allows himself to be seduced by the promise of wealth and recognition only to quickly learn that the path to success is laden with pitfalls.

Basquiat is a film that is a treat for the senses—the vivid colors that leap from the screen are reminiscent of the work of the artist himself. The downtown club scene and unforgiving streets of Reagan-era Manhattan are brought to life with a stirring soundtrack of jazz, rock, and early hip-hop that reflects the simultaneous feelings of ambition and disillusionment experienced by a young man who sought fame and won it, but at the cost of his life.

Originally released in 1996 and directed by Julian Schnabel, Basquiat stars Jeffrey Wright in the title role alongside a richly talented cast including David Bowie, Benicio del Toro, and Parker Posey. The recipient of the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for Benicio del Toro’s performance as Al Diaz, Basquiat was also nominated for the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion Award.

Note: Basquiat is rated R for drug use and strong language.