Exit Through The Gift Shop

Banksy is a graffiti artist with a global reputation. His cheeky, political art, which combines graffiti with cartoons drawn with a distinctive stencilling technique, has built-up a cult following over the past few years. Fiercely guarding his anonymity to avoid prosecution, Banksy has so far resisted all attempts to be captured on film. Until now. "Exit Through the Gift Shop" tells the incredible true story of how an eccentric French shop keeper turned documentary maker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner with spectacular results. The film contains exclusive footage of Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Invader and many of the worlds most infamous graffiti artists at work, on walls and in interviews. 

                            

So Banksy has made a documentary about a man who made a documentary about him? Confused, don't be. Thierry Guetta (or know known as Mr. Brain Wash) has filmed for years and years, to no outcome. Still. after decades of documenting his home life Thierry felt he needed to document something, so he follows his Cousin, Space Invader, a street artist who does mosaic versions of the characters from the game Invader, and soon finds his self tangled in the underground world of Graffiti artists. Through this he meets Banksy, one of the most secretive and controversial Graffiti artist to have lived. Theirry is taken on a roller coaster ride through the realms of street art. Eventually Theirry decides that after years of filming people making art, he will give it a go. 

"Mr. Brainwash piece"

Banksy: "Uhmmm... You know... it was at that point that I realized that maybe Thierry wasn't actually a film maker, and he was maybe just someone with mental problems who happened to have a camera."

This documentary is incredibly well made. It has a great soundtrack that is backed up by some remarkable street art footage. The narration from Banksy is perfect, although we never see his face (blacked out, under a hood) or hear his voice (distorted).

                          

This intriguing documentary is fantastic, a must see for everyone! 
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8.75/10