When director, Schnabel is typically witnessed painting himself into a film by adding a made-up have-backup man character, Albert Milo, according to Schnabel. Schnabel likewise leaves a bit additional of himself in the film by adding cameo appearances by his have mother, father, & girl. [All as the character Milo's family.] Does'nt to become left retired totally, Julian Schnabel is an additional inside the scene at Mr. Chows eating house in which Basquiat & Warhol come dining.

Basquiat died of the diacetylmorphine overdose inside 1988. A estate of Basquiat would non grant permission for his operate to exist as utilized in the film. Schnabel himself did a exact reproductions of Basquiat's act that appeared in the film.

Jeffrey Wright portrays the role of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and David Bowie plays Basquiat's friend and wise man Andy Warhol. Extra cast include Gary Oldman, Michael Wincott, Dennis Hopper, Claire Forlani, Courtney Love and Benicio Del Toro in supporting roles. Vincent Gallo, a friend & previous band mate of Basquiat's too has the little cameo appearance.