‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’ Defines Real Street Artists

Famed street artist Banksy remains hidden as in ‘Gift Shop’

The movie: Exit Through the Gift Shop

Directed by: Banksy

People in the documentary that hipsters will probably know: Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Thierry Guetta, Rhys Ifans (narrator), Space Invader

The story: Thierry Guetta, a quirky little Frenchman who looks like Ron Jeremy, is a “filmmaker.” He starts documenting the world of guerilla street art and follows people like Shepard Fairey, Space Invader and others. His ultimate goal is to find the world-renowned street artist, Banksy. When he tracks him down, they become fast friends and Guetta takes a crack at being a street artist. Eventually, Banksy turns the camera on him and this documentary was the result.

The review: Exit Through the Gift Ship gives us a peek into the fascinating world of street art and it shows how a person can totally bastardize something that is sacred – and Banksy does a top notch tongue-in-cheek job of doing this.

Putting the microscope on the development of the relationship between Guetta and Banksy (who’s face and voice remains disguised through the entire film) is the bread and butter of the film. They become confidants and Banksy opens up his doors to him, letting him see his process of creating – and that’s a big thing for a guy who is very private.

Seeing them share that brotherhood is touching, but once Guetta starts doing his street art as “Mr. Brain Wash,” the WTFs start. It’s the equivalent of Lindsay Lohan releasing an album.

This film is basically an offshoot of street art for Banksy. It’s odd. It’s subversive. It’s humorous. It’s rebellious. Overall, it’s intriguing and the content burns itself into your brain. Banksy brilliantly evolves his subject matter (Guetta) from an enjoyably offbeat family man with a French accent to a full-blown fame monster and money hungry “artist.”

Overall review: Banksy, in a way, created Guetta – much like Dr. Frankenstein created his monster. He takes full responsibility and the world should thank him for documenting it. To see a sweet French man slowly become obsessive, eccentric and borderline delusional is something that audiences love. Why do you think shows like Hoarders are so successful? Grade: A