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Documentary

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide (2021): Cast & Ratings

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide (2021) movie poster

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide is a 2021 documentary directed by Malia Scharf and Max Basch, starring Kenny Scharf, Keith Haring and Yoko Ono. It runs 1 hour 17 minutes. Critics gave it 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
85%
Echo Score
73
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Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 17m (77 min)
Directors
Malia Scharf and Max Basch
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide About?

The premise of Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide without spoilers.

This documentary chronicles artist Kenny Scharf’s eleven-year journey and artistic evolution. Featuring candid interviews with influential figures like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring, the film follows Scharf's arrival in 1980s New York City. There, he formed close relationships with his contemporaries within the city’s vibrant and chaotic art scene. Despite the changing landscape of the art world, Scharf remained dedicated to his distinctive, bold, and colorful artistic vision, ultimately establishing himself as a significant pop art icon.

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide Themes & Keywords

· 8 tags
  • pop art
  • street art
  • grafitti
  • reference to keith haring
  • new york
  • art
  • reference to jean michel basquiat
  • artist
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Cast & crew

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide Cast

Kenny Scharf leads the cast, with Keith Haring and Yoko Ono. Directed by Malia Scharf and Max Basch; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide

· 6 more
Ratings

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (68).

73 /100

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide Echo Score Breakdown

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide delivers a vibrant portrait of the artist that resonates more strongly in its visual and emotional dimensions than in its structural execution. Critics highlight the film's colorful presentation and heartfelt moments, while noting a tendency toward surface‑level treatment of Scharf's legacy. Viewer reactions echo this split, with some praising its engaging scope and others finding it lacking depth. Overall, the documentary offers an appealing but occasionally thin exploration of its subject.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of direction, cinematography, and production design, the documentary showcases a lively visual palette that captures the era’s aesthetic. Positive remarks emphasize the film’s spirited execution and playful visual motifs, whereas some critics point to a superficial handling of the artistic process. The mixed feedback results in a solid but not exemplary technical rating.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When evaluating acting and character depth, the film benefits from Scharf’s candid presence and personal anecdotes that convey genuine passion. Reviewers commend the emotional resonance of his interactions and the intimate portrait offered by his daughter’s direction. However, a few criticisms note limited emotional complexity beyond fondness, leading to a strong yet slightly restrained character score.

  • Story & Flow 68

    Regarding plot coherence and narrative engagement, the documentary weaves together biographical milestones and cultural context with moderate success. Positive feedback highlights the touching father‑son narrative and the portrayal of 1980s New York, while negative comments cite a shallow, surface‑level approach that undercuts deeper insight. Consequently, the story receives a balanced, mid‑range rating.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    The sensory experience—encompassing soundtrack, sound design, and visual style—stands out as a vivid strength. Critics and viewers alike note the rich, colorful cinematography and the playful auditory backdrop that reinforce Scharf’s artistic ethos. With limited criticism in this area, the film earns a high sensory rating.

  • Rewatch Factor 72

    Assessing rewatch value, the documentary offers a compelling glimpse into Scharf’s world that may attract repeat viewings for fans of his work and the era he represents. While certain reviewers find the material average and lacking depth, the overall enthusiasm for its visual flair and emotional moments supports a favorable rewatch potential.

Details

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide Also Known As

Also known as “케니 샤르프: 웬 월즈 컬라이드”.

Also known as
  • 케니 샤르프: 웬 월즈 컬라이드

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FAQ

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide?

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide runs 1 hour 17 minutes (77 minutes).

When was Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide released?

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide was released on June 25, 2021.

Who directed Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide?

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide was directed by Malia Scharf and Max Basch.

More films by Malia Scharf

Who is in the cast of Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide?

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide stars Kenny Scharf, Keith Haring and Yoko Ono, among 10 credited actors.

How is Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide rated?

Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70% on TMDB.

Does Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide have a post-credit scene?

No. Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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