[Mini Theater Revisited] Part 8: The beginning of the “Shibuya Theater”, the blooming of the mini theater…Part 3: The music movie that changed the night in Shibuya, Part 2

Keith Haring creates the logo





◉The "THE LATE SHOW" logo, which is also featured on the "Smithereens" flyer, was created by Keith Haring, a master of graffiti art. The badge next to it also uses Keith's design.

After the success of `` Stop Making Sense '', Kuzui Enterprises created their own label ``The Late Show'' and produced the documentary ``Sting/The Blue Turtle Dream'', which looked at the beginning of popular singer Sting's solo career. 1985), and `` Smithereens '' (1982, directed by Susan Seidleman, who would later make Madonna's debut as an actress) starring Richard Hell, the originator of punk, and other late-night shows.

Although some of their works are now niche, these films also contain elements typical of early Kuzui Enterprises, such as ``music'' and ``street.''

From the beginning, the president also paid attention to the works of major New York indie directors such as Jim Jarmusch and Spike Lee, and Spike's 1986 feature debut, ``She's Gotta Have It'' (1986), was directed by Seibu. It was imported in partnership with Cine Saison, the group's film distribution company (the theater is Cine Saison Shibuya).

It is said that Spike visited Kuzui's office in 1986 when he came to Japan to participate in the ``NY Indie Film Festival'' sponsored by Pia, which was held at Parco in Shibuya.

``At that time, Spike was lamenting that as a black man, he didn't get many interview offers.But anyway, he loved music, so I gave him the recordings of Sting that I had in his office, and he was happy.We were together. I also went to a yakitori restaurant,” said Endo.

Additionally, the logo for the aforementioned ``The Late Show'' label was designed by Keith Haring, who was popular as a standard bearer of graffiti art in the 1980s.

The company also managed Keith's Pop Shop for one year in 1988. From this, you can see the company's individuality, which goes beyond just the so-called movies. Keith loved Shibuya and often visited a store called Octopus Army.

Mr. Endo also told us about this memorable incident he had with Keith. We went to KAY, a shop in Spiral in Omotesando, and there was a painting by Basquiat on the wall. Keith, who was also a street artist from New York, felt a sense of rivalry with him and left his own graffiti next to the painting.

In the end, Basquiat passed away in 1988 at the age of 27, and Keith passed away in 1990 at the age of 31. Considering the cruel passage of time that followed, this heartwarming episode takes on a new meaning.

``It's sad that Keith is no longer here. He couldn't beat AIDS. He couldn't become a street hero...'' Mr. Endo said, looking a little sad.

``Bagdad Cafe'' and Lynch's works were also big hits.