Do you think it was inevitable that the larger-than-life 80s would produce a Basquiat?
TD: I guess, but I also think that every age has an opportunity to create something new and different. He was definitely rebelling against the establishment but I think what was unique about the ’80s is that it was fueled by instant celebrity. I think that made it difficult for a young person to try and grapple with public praise and then public shame and disappointment. I don’t think he was at all prepared for the media attention. Nowadays a young person would hopefully be more savvy about how they deal with the onslaught of public opinion towards something they hold so sacred. When you are talking about some one’s art it is usually so personal. Jean-Michel really took the praise and the slams personal. MM: Fab 5 Freddy says something really interesting at the beginning of the doc, when he’s talking about Basquiat wanting to be recognized, wanting to be famous. He says he doesn’t really want to use the word “fame” because in the era we now live in, who wants to be famous? “Being famou
