Watch Downtown 81

Downtown 81 is a film that depicts the New York art and music scene in the early 80s. It was directed by Edo Bertoglio and stars Jean Michel Basquiat, who was a well-known artist in the 80s. The film is a mix of drama, comedy and music that brings to life the gritty creative energy of NYC's underground art scene in the late 70s through a day in the life of a struggling artist.

The film features a soundtrack of some of the era’s most iconic music acts, like Tuxedomoon, James Chance, and Kid Creole and the Coconuts. Basquiat, a budding artist and musician, also performs in the film, along with his band, Gray. The soundtrack serves as a backdrop for Basquiat's character as he roams around New York, trying to sell his artwork, find a place to sleep and make it to a gig.

The film is presented as a chronicle of one day in the life of Basquiat's character, who navigates the chaotic and creative world around him as he tries to sell a painting for $500 before the end of the day. Throughout the film, he encounters several colorful characters who pepper his journey: a performance artist who pretends to be blind, a drug dealer who tries to convince Basquiat to sell drugs, a poet who shares his work, and several other musicians with whom he collaborates.

Basquiat's character, who's known for his street art in the film, eventually meets up with his ex-girlfriend, played by his real-life girlfriend at the time, Jennifer Stein. She invites him to a party where he can potentially sell his work and catch a break. However, when they get to the party, it turns out that the art buyer hosting the party wants nothing to do with Basquiat's work. Instead, he offers him a job framing pictures, something he's not particularly excited about.

The film succeeds in showcasing the vibrant downtown scene of New York during the 80s. It captures the essence of the city before it became the upscale and gentrified version it is today. The hand-held cinematography and grainy film quality add to the authenticity of the representation. There are several shots of iconic NYC landmarks, like the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, which give a historical context and reminder of a bygone era.

Jean Michel Basquiat's acting in the film is understated and believable. He's more of a character on a journey than the central focal point. His character navigates the city with an outsider's perspective, but there's a vulnerability to him that's endearing. John Lurie, who plays his friend, also turns in a solid performance, and Richard Weigand is excellent as the frustrated and disillusioned gallery owner.

Overall, Downtown 81 is a unique and authentic time capsule of a NYC that is long gone. It captures the spirit of the time and the iconic characters that created the vibrant underground scene that has inspired countless artists, musicians and filmmakers over the years. The soundtrack is an eclectic mix of punk and new wave that will appeal to fans of the era. The film is a must-see for fans of Basquiat or anyone interested in the history of the NYC art scene.

Downtown 81 is a 2000 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 54.