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Poster for Downtown '81

Downtown '81

Seen it?

2001 | 72 min | Drama, Comedy, Music

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (79% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved The Apartment or Saturday Night, start here.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 12 min.
What might put you off
Nothing much for most grown-ups.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    79% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $108K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 23K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Edo Bertoglio

  • Jean-Michel BasquiatJean (archive footage)
  • Saul WilliamsJean's Narration (voice)
  • Anna ShroederBeatrice
  • Debbie HarryFairy Godmother
  • Giorgio GiomelskyLandlord
  • Coati MundiSelf
  • Debi MazarPeppermint Lounge Dancer
  • George QuinonesGraffiti Artist
  • Walter StedingSelf
  • Steven BrownSelf - Vocals, Tuxedomoon