Basquiat (1996) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictMildly Woke

35%

Basquiat1996

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

“Basquiat” predates the current wave of “woke” cinema and largely avoids the pitfalls of heavy-handed representation or ideological groupthink. Its focus is on character and artistic struggle, not ideology. Mild subversion of norms, but not a woke fest.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Mildly Woke

What is this?

“Basquiat” focuses on the artist’s unique journey, displaying complexity and nuance rather than shoehorning characters into modern identity themes. Characters are written with specific motivations and flaws, maintaining narrative integrity without indulging in today’s forced representation trends.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Mildly Woke

What is this?

The film is more of a portrait of a subculture (the 1980s New York art world) than a critique of traditional values. While it indirectly questions mainstream norms through Basquiat’s outsider status, it doesn’t overtly undermine religion, family, or masculinity like some contemporary films.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Woke

What is this?

There’s clear sympathy for an outsider, but the film doesn't present just one monolithic worldview. Traditional perspectives aren’t totally absent, though the focus remains on the struggles of a marginalized artist, giving slightly more weight to the underdog narrative.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.