This film tells Jean-Michel's story through exclusive interviews with his two sisters Lisane and Jeanine, who have never before agreed to be interviewed for a TV documentary. With striking candour, Basquiat's art dealers - including Larry Gagosian, Mary Boone and Bruno Bischofberger - as well as his most intimate friends, lovers and fellow artists, expose the cash, the drugs and the pernicious racism which Basquiat confronted on a daily basis. As historical tableaux, visual diaries of defiance or surfaces covered with hidden meanings, Basquiat's art remains the beating heart of this story.

Jean-Michel Basquiat
as Self (archive footage)

Andy Warhol
as Self (archive footage)

Lisane Basquiat
as Self

Jeanine Basquiat
as Self

Troy Stevenson-House
as Young Basquiat

James Chance
as Self (Musician)

Suzanne Mallouk
as Self (Psychiatrist)

Jeffrey Deitch
as Self (Art Advisory Service Citibank 1979 - 88)

Brett De Palma
as Self (Artist)

Jennifer Vonholstein
as Self (Artist)