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Cinematheque

Cinematheque . Film Schedule . DOWNTOWN 81

Film Details

Film Classics in 35mm! New Color Print!

DOWNTOWN 81

aka NEW YORK BEAT
United States | 1981/2000 | Edo Bertoglio

DOWNTOWN 81 film still

Jean-Michel Basquiat, the influential NYC artist who died from a drug overdose in 1988 at age 27, is the star of this low-budget movie that was shot in 1980-81 but not completed and released until two decades later. Produced and written by Cleveland native Glenn O’Brien, Downtown 81 is a kind of “day in the life of Basquiat,” capturing the painter, graffiti artist, and musician in his garbage- and rubble-strewn Lower East Side environs as he begs meals, club-hops, and scrapes up enough money to get by. It’s a fascinating portrait of bohemian life in gritty, post-punk, pre-Giuliani Manhattan and features a hip supporting cast that includes Debbie Harry, John Lurie, Kid Creole, Tuxedomoon, et al. Cleveland revival premiere! 72 min.

Special event pricing $12; members, CIA & CSU I.D. holders, and those age 25 & under $9. No passes, twofers, or radio winners.

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Saturday 2/15
7:10pm
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Single Film Admission

General Admission: $10
Member: $7 (includes CIA and CSU I.D. holders)
Age 25 & under: $7 (proof of age required)
Additional film on the same day: $7 (or the member price for that film)

Note: Special events cost more. Exceptions are noted.