Catch This: The Radiant Child

Jean-Michel Basquiat was brilliant, young and in a matter of a few years formed relationships with the major art figures of his day, including Andy Warhol. Beginning as a graffiti artists and drawing influences from his African heritage, Basquiat incorporated words and an incredible splendor of color into his paintings. Instantly famous, the fame soon eclipsed his work. Sadly, it didn't last. At 27, he died of a heroin overdose in 1988. 

Two years before, Basquiat's friend Tamara Davis filmed an interview with the artist. The footage would never be released, and after Basquiat's death, Davis hid her interview in a drawer for twenty years. Decades later, she found the footage and created Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child, a montage of Basquiat's work, personality and life. 

Even with only the preview, I want to go through this film frame by frame. Plays tonight through August 12 at the Northwest Film Forum.

Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave.