Thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating look back at the 1980s NY art scene featuring a cast of eclectic, amusing and wildly differing personalities from that time including the big names. Why hadn't I been aware of this artist, Brezinski, contemporary of Basquiat and other stellar household names? Would have enjoyed even more if we had dwelt a little longer on some of the stills, just to take everything in. The East Village was fabulously evoked 5ough - how times have changed! Happy to see its' London run has been rightfully extended with showings at the ICA and hoping it will hit a streaming platform in the coming months. Definitely recommend if you have any kind of interest in that era.
36 Reviews
this is a fantastic documentary
supremebluto4 May 2023
As an artist, I often wonder why do some artists become successful and others not ??? This movie examines the question Basinski was a really talented artist, and this is a fascinating era, I moved to New York to be a part of this scene, and I found it incredibly difficult to gain entrée, but even if you were part of the scene and talented, it didn't guarantee success, and that's the case with this artist, he was very talented and he should've been famous, but it didn't work out for him... Fascinating documentary about a fascinating era New York's history, beautifully done with excellent cameos and lots of videos...
Interesting and Entertaining
etrnloptms2 May 2023
I very much enjoyed this film, learning a lot about the artist (who also happens to be from my hometown), as well as the somewhat outlier artist scene of 1980s lower east side NYC. The way Brezinki's supposed friends/fellow artists and others in the art community remember him is at times hilarious. And the lengths that Brezinski himself would go to to receive recognition was surprising. The story held my interest and I didn't expect it, but this film took me through the full range of emotions regarding a topic that I didn't know I was interested in. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and actually hope to see it again.
Must See
dameonpriestly4 March 2023
Wonderful documentary.
I've researched this time period in New York extensively and this was a refreshingly new look at those just outside of the full glare of publicity.
A great deal resonated with me being an artist. As much about the behaviour and questionable attitudes of those in the 'art world', as it was about Edward as an individual.
New York in the late 70s and mid 80s was a creative hot bed in the East Village, flying in the face of Reagononics'.
This documentary perfectly shows the other side of the well known names of Haring, Basquiat and rest. The sliding doors moment of whether or not fame will come knocking or walk on by.
Poignant and contemplative.
I've researched this time period in New York extensively and this was a refreshingly new look at those just outside of the full glare of publicity.
A great deal resonated with me being an artist. As much about the behaviour and questionable attitudes of those in the 'art world', as it was about Edward as an individual.
New York in the late 70s and mid 80s was a creative hot bed in the East Village, flying in the face of Reagononics'.
This documentary perfectly shows the other side of the well known names of Haring, Basquiat and rest. The sliding doors moment of whether or not fame will come knocking or walk on by.
Poignant and contemplative.
Funny, sad, intriguing story
pia-wilson26 June 2023
This documentary gives us a glimpse of something we don't see quite as often -- a talented artist who doesn't "make it" by his standards and who doesn't pull off a triumph at the end. The story is still inspiring and offers a fun look at the East Village art scene in the early 1980s. I also enjoyed the mystery the director created in the middle part of story. It hits all the right emotional beats.
The people interviewed in the documentary are often very funny characters themselves. Though, there does seem to be a gap in intimacy, as in knowing Brezenski beyond his ambition. And maybe that falls on Brezenski's relentless drive and passion for art.
The people interviewed in the documentary are often very funny characters themselves. Though, there does seem to be a gap in intimacy, as in knowing Brezenski beyond his ambition. And maybe that falls on Brezenski's relentless drive and passion for art.
Make Me Famous" just might...
paddywhoo1 May 2023
Who knew the artist, Edward Brezinski? If your answer is no one, you're close. A dedicated young artist who escaped an alcoholic father in Detroit, trained at the renowned San Francisco Art Institute before moving to a 6th floor apartment/studio/dive above a squalorous street scene in New York City, his tale is told by his fiercely talented and ambitious artist contemporaries who were part of the vibrant and sometimes more than a little sordid art scene with the not-so-usual starving, mostly gay, men at the very beginnings of the HIV epidemic. From their conversations emerges the complex support and love mixed with envy and resentment in a profession where the who you know and where you happen to be as much as who are the most gifted often determines the winners and the forgotten.
Brezinski held shows for both himself and his fellow artists at his 6th floor walkup; visitors had to step over the bodies of the drunks who had not quite made it to the flophouse across the street. This generosity was remembered and appreciated in the interviews. Brezinski was a budding alcoholic whose obnoxious acting out at his friends' openings was also remembered. Those speaking were all ravaged survivors, not only of the competitive cauldron of the New York art scene that was on the verge of being engulfed by vulture capitalism, but of the HIV firestorm that was decimating the gay community; the grief and anger (Reagan was officially and actively ignoring the growing epidemic) is present in their speaking.
There's so much more of this rich story that I've only touched on. You would not suspect that the two New York Broadway veteran actors who produced/directed/edited/etc. Are first-time film makers. The production is rich, beautiful and seamless, and the arc of storytelling is continuously engrossing and compelling.
Patrick O'Connor.
Brezinski held shows for both himself and his fellow artists at his 6th floor walkup; visitors had to step over the bodies of the drunks who had not quite made it to the flophouse across the street. This generosity was remembered and appreciated in the interviews. Brezinski was a budding alcoholic whose obnoxious acting out at his friends' openings was also remembered. Those speaking were all ravaged survivors, not only of the competitive cauldron of the New York art scene that was on the verge of being engulfed by vulture capitalism, but of the HIV firestorm that was decimating the gay community; the grief and anger (Reagan was officially and actively ignoring the growing epidemic) is present in their speaking.
There's so much more of this rich story that I've only touched on. You would not suspect that the two New York Broadway veteran actors who produced/directed/edited/etc. Are first-time film makers. The production is rich, beautiful and seamless, and the arc of storytelling is continuously engrossing and compelling.
Patrick O'Connor.
I loved this movie!
andrewsicco4 May 2023
I really did. I couldn't take my eyes off of it for the whole duration, so... great job Brian Vincent, Heather Spore and crew. For fans of Downtown 81, the No Wave (and Punk) scene, Basquiat, Warhol, Slaves of NY, and everything downtown 70's/80's New York, this movie is for you. Of course it was also great to watch it at the Museum of the City of New York showing, where the director, producer, and prominent members of the art scene portrayed in the movie did an informative and super fun Q&A afterward. I found the whole experience inspiring, and the sort of documentary that makes me fall in love with NYC all over again, after all, these are the stories that most of us artists and musicians can relate to... you see, downtown Manhattan may be all fancy and wealthy now, but there are still pockets where such characters exist, maybe somewhere in Brooklyn (or Queens) by now.. OR other cities.. we all have been 20 years old and (some of us at least) crazy.. and had aspirations, big dreams, so yeah.... raise a drink to Edward Brezinski.. Cheers!
Edward will make his mark on your heart
kellymrawlings13 January 2024
The energy and passion, posturing and poverty of the Lower East Side's '80s art scene in all its squalid, boozy, AIDS-ravaged, eyeliner-ringed defiant creative glory. It's the setting for a particular portrait, a Midwestern gay man who studies art. And moves to New York City. Who creates his own shows when he has to, and paints his friends and people he meets, and labors at it, and sometimes rubs it out in frustration. The art might be derivative or might be original, might fetch a pity $500 or millions but that doesn't matter. You'll see him. His gaze at the camera, gallery shockers, shade and light from the art world denizens who knew him then and tell it now. Basquiat and Warhol and Madonna and Berlin and Nancy Reagan are lesser works this time around. Just say yes. This is a genuine Brezinski.
Astonishing work - Must See!
jennycarremail7 July 2023
This film is for those who appreciate meeting new people with fascinating lives - and that is for the main focus Edward Brzezinski - but also for the contributions of so many who also participated in the burgeoning art scene of the LES in the late 70s - 80s. You may know a lot about the big names that exploded from this scene (Basquiat, Haring) but this doc shows you so much more and captures stories from all corners of the real people who worked every day to foster the art scene and community there. Primary source material is STUNNING in both its content and number - including video capturing the moments inside of gallery gatherings of the time in all their hectic glory. The pacing, the interviews, the mystery - there is so much to discover in this film. And did I mention this is the filmmaking team's first documentary? Such an accomplishment. Make sure to see this ASAP!
Sincere and humorous storytelling
jcherbert-7755513 January 2024
I appreciated the opportunity to learn about Edward B. And experience the NY art scene of the 1980s. The film makers portrayed Edward's story and his relationship to his peers in a way that capture universal dynamics among a community or family. Also, great scenery of past and present NY and beautiful images of France. The social and geopolitical matters of the time were subtly present in Edwards story and gave these events a more intimate sense of how these affected real people. I found myself admiring Edward's commitment to his art, which may have been to his own detriment. Edward's story provokes careful consideration of the idea of success and what that means....
Transport Yourself!
trigorin-593663 July 2023
Old enough to be nostalgic for the East Village of the 1980s--or too young, but curious about that fabled time and place? Well, then, get thee to a screening of "Make Me Famous," which in telling one artist's particular story--that of painter Edward Brezinski--manages to encompass so much more. I was around for it all, and was a friend of Edward's--a wonderfully talented and endlessly, often entertainingly exasperating man--and the film portrays both him and the arts scene unflinchingly and movingly. It's the real thing. I'd also like to salute the enterprising venue where I saw it, the New Plaza Cinema on West 67th in Manhattan--thanks for programming this, and all the other worthy films you show every weekend!:
Journey into the mind of a desperate artist
sethjaketoo21 October 2023
This is a fascinating journey, a cautionary tale of sorts into the mind of an obscure artist who came of age in the 70s and 80s. Punk. New expressionism(is that the term?). The pre gentrified east village. Rock and roll. Crack houses. It's all alive here. We feel his desperate need to be discovered, to be respected the story is told through amazing old video footage and in new interviews through the eyes of friends and associates many who have became successful artists (some household names). The movie sprawls (in a good way) as we watch his tragic descent. All this comes at you with a constant montage of late 20th century modern art (by the subjects) woven into the images. And then a mystery must be solved. It's a beautiful film, a strange film, that cradles the viewer as he descends down the east village rabbit hole with the subject. All this with a beautiful score that keeps it all so alive.
Brezinski Is Finally Having His Moment
krooneypr30 July 2023
Saw the film yesterday at New Plaza on the UWS. My husband was a young painter/printer working in Soho at a rather hot printmaking studio. (Several of the"successful artists in the movie worked out of that studio). I was an actor who hated auditioning, and thus, waited table in Soho (which was becoming the epicenter of the art world in the early 80s). Yeah. This film resonated. And it's highly entertaining, even if you have no knowledge or relationship to that LES scene, as we did. The filmmakers have done a marvelous job capturing the vibe of the era. Highly recommend it. Every art museum should be showing this film.
Bringing it back to the 80s
BwyGrl492 May 2023
Deep dive into the scene that was the 1980s Downtown art scene. A look at that time from an unusual vantage point. MAKE ME FAMOUS uncovers why such a well-connected yet peculiar painter never made it, despite being so maniacally focused in his quest for fame. What begins as an investigation into Brezinski's legacy and mysterious disappearance becomes a sharp, witty portrait of NYC's 1980s downtown art scene. Gallery owners and fellow artists dish on insider gossip, name drop, and contradict each other in telling the story, resulting in an irresistible snapshot of an unknown artist that captures the spirit of an iconic era.
Fascinating glimpse that leaves you thinking
fcddz5 July 2023
This documentary was even better than I had hoped from the trailer. It satisfies that curiosity we all have about what it was really like in the 1980s NYC art scene, celebrating its creativity without romanticizing its hardships. I had no idea who Edward Brezinski was before this, but the film's tragicomic focus on his story in particular is FASCINATING.
The interviews are not just supporting material for the history - they're entertaining glimpses into the past and present lives of other figures from this scene.
It left me thinking: is it still possible to make this kind of art today? Will we ever have a scene like this in NYC again?
The interviews are not just supporting material for the history - they're entertaining glimpses into the past and present lives of other figures from this scene.
It left me thinking: is it still possible to make this kind of art today? Will we ever have a scene like this in NYC again?
Inspiring and Authentic
jessicawood-9814823 September 2023
The story behind the making of this film is almost as beautiful as the film itself.
As showcased in the storyline of the film, indie art is often a road many artists have to navigate on their own and only a lucky few get the opportunity to showcase their masterful pieces among the masses.
I found the producer and director to be extremely inspiring as they have chosen to go the fully independent route of producing and creating this film themselves and allowing their own passion to be a driving force.
This film is masterful, inquisitive, and a perfect example of authentic and creative story telling. Without this film, these stories would be lost. In many ways, this film reminded me of Patti Smith's Novel: "Just Kids." It showed the underground reality of artists and the varying lengths people have struggled within a system controlled by money; a system that so often negates creativity itself. It was wonderful to hear of the synchronicities and community support that has aided in bringing this film to fruition.
Go support this film and watch it in one of the many independent theaters that have been lucky enough to screen it. ✨
Thank you to the creators for following your hearts and bringing this film into the material world. 🙏🏼
As showcased in the storyline of the film, indie art is often a road many artists have to navigate on their own and only a lucky few get the opportunity to showcase their masterful pieces among the masses.
I found the producer and director to be extremely inspiring as they have chosen to go the fully independent route of producing and creating this film themselves and allowing their own passion to be a driving force.
This film is masterful, inquisitive, and a perfect example of authentic and creative story telling. Without this film, these stories would be lost. In many ways, this film reminded me of Patti Smith's Novel: "Just Kids." It showed the underground reality of artists and the varying lengths people have struggled within a system controlled by money; a system that so often negates creativity itself. It was wonderful to hear of the synchronicities and community support that has aided in bringing this film to fruition.
Go support this film and watch it in one of the many independent theaters that have been lucky enough to screen it. ✨
Thank you to the creators for following your hearts and bringing this film into the material world. 🙏🏼
"MAKE ME FAMOUS" He Begged
patdwyer42 July 2023
Brian Vincent's documentary is a testiment to the artistic soul and the patience it takes to live and breath the rarified air of a creative life. In a meta sense, the decade Vincent and his wife, Broadway actress Heather Spore, spent following Brezinski's trail through New York's East Village and the shabby corner of the 1980s modern art world that their subject occupied created a shinier portrait in film that is fun, but touchingly sad since this documentary is a more successful portrait than any of Edward's work back in the day. This artist is only just now being re-examined and as such this search for Brezinski feels more and more like a narative story than a doc the further one dives into it. Bravo to all for shining up the shabby!
Absolute Must See!
hfranklin-746593 July 2023
This is a significant work of film documenting the true art history of NYC's East Village before it became the "in place". It shows the heart and soul of the art world of years gone by. Art when it was community rather than a commodity. Very thoughtful storyline that encompasses the entire art scene of the east village in the 80s, while highlighting a specific character. Its one of those movies that every time you watch it, you pick up something new. The producing and editing is exquisite, combining original footage with current day footage. Masterfully presented. A film that will be a requirement fornm all art history learning. Absolutely a must see.
Great Documentary!
akstuart8 July 2023
Great documentary with a cast that includes a wide array of (mostly) eccentric artists sharing with the viewer first hand accounts of their careers, struggles and shenanigans during the wild 80's art scene in the east village of New York. Additionally the film follows the journey of one specific artist from that time, Edward Brezinski, who desparately wanted to be discovered and pursuing what he (and so many of us) deem to be "a success". Having lived in this area from the late 70's through to our present day it was a wild look back. We lovingly revered to that area as "Alphabet City" in reference to the various avenues (A, B C,...).
Go see if you get the chance!
Go see if you get the chance!
Make Me Famous
lisabsiegal8 July 2023
It's an Interesting documentary especially for art lovers. I'm a native New Yorker and lived in Manhattan since the early 1980s, which is when part of the film took place. Although I didn't live in the LES then (or now), the setting is familiar to me. I had never heard of Edward Brezinski before and enjoyed learning about him. He did know other famous artists of his generation (Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat), and they were also in the movie. Plus I got to do some armchair traveling to the south of France and Berlin. I recommend seeing this film if you like art, history and nyc.
Like you're wearing a wire in the 1980s art scene
andrewcdelano22 December 2023
I found this film well-paced and I like the technique plus the side avenue at the end exploring Brzezinski's death. But perhaps the most appealing thing about this very intriguing film is the voyeuristic quality of the footage of the 1980s NYC art scene, between the amusing/revolting poverty of the starving artist cliche coming to life, the odd mix-ins of celebrity and the backdrop of artist fame we know comes later, including many but not the subject. Artists talking about artists.... this is interesting. The world of ultra high net worth painting prices, the faux (or is it real) contempt among the artists for it and the warm glow of the top galleries putting you on display. I loved all these elements and am very glad I watched it.
New York 80's Art Scene
blizzard-8288814 January 2024
I found this documentary to be very entertaining and even amusing so as to make me laugh out loud. Very educational about the New York Art Scene in the early 80's - seeing the craziness of it all and the sadness and fun. You saw artists going on to fame and fortune while others were left behind. Very interesting to see how they lived and the parties that they had at that time. A great subplot in finding out if the artist in question was still alive. Besides New York interesting locations were Ireland and Canada.
For those who love art, A Must See! For those who don't a very interesting and educational look at the past.
For those who love art, A Must See! For those who don't a very interesting and educational look at the past.
The documentary to see in 2023
wwwolffykw22 August 2023
Make Me Famous took me unabashedly back to the East Village and it's scene of the 1980s. This documentary helped us see directly into an era of art that was current, honest and intensely creative while reflecting everything the world was revealing to each of these passionate artists. The energy was electric. The search for fame was raw and aggressive. Be transported back to the conversations, relationships and struggles that created a powerful legacy in the art world.
I moved to NYC in 1974 and lived on the edge of East Village on 14th and 2nd avenue. Part of our downtown culture ruled out anything that happened above 14th Street. This glorious documentary flew me down memory lane with the 80's art and music and lifestyle of self expression.... It was truly the center of the cultural revolution.
I moved to NYC in 1974 and lived on the edge of East Village on 14th and 2nd avenue. Part of our downtown culture ruled out anything that happened above 14th Street. This glorious documentary flew me down memory lane with the 80's art and music and lifestyle of self expression.... It was truly the center of the cultural revolution.
A wonderful, joyful, complex and intriguing film
FMK09163 July 2023
This is a wonderful film about the New York City art scene in the 1980s. It's hard to imagine, or remember, New York as it was back then. Images of dilapidated buildings, burnt out cars and a much grittier New York than it is today is the backdrop to this great film. The upside is remembering how creative the city was back then with some of the most exciting and innovative artists to grace our world, like Edward Brezinski as well as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquait and so many others. Sadly, many have since died but have left behind a wealth of art and their unique influence on the art world. This film captures it all. It is truly a trip down memory lane that many people might never have experienced if they didn't live in NYC at that time. Take that trip now with this film. Well made and a great piece of art itself.
Great Downtown NYC art documentary.
bdove78-114 July 2023
Terrific interviews from colleagues of a tortured artist, looking for fame. Excellent archival footage, colorful eccentrics, and a sharp sense of humor tell a cautionary tale about the desire to be recognized and the dangers of finding self-worth in an era of decadence and degradation. Vincent explores the East Village art scene through the lens and words of the people that lived it. Egos and oils collide in a wonderful score that paces the story well. If you want to see the hardships of being a starving artist, a desperate artist, a brilliant artist- check out this doc. The ghost of Brezinski thanks you...perhaps.
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