Exit Through the Gift Shop (Banksy)

'Exit through the Gift Shop' (2010) is a documentary directed by notorious street artist Banksy. This documentary is the story of Thierry Guetta (Mr Brain Wash), and how is obsession with filming street art reaches higher levels than expected. 

The documentary begins with footage of graffiti artists spraying art around the streets. I feel that

introducing the film in this way gives the audience a good insight into the world of street art, ; it shows the dangerous and risky things these artists are willing to do in order to get their art noticed; it shows people leaning over bridges, climbing up buildings etc, but the main bulk of the introduction is just artists spray painting walls. This gives the audience an idea about the film in the introduction.

The stories are told by means of interviews like most documentaries; Banksy is shown sat in a chair, with his face blacked out. The classic Banksy Monkey Face is shown on a pedestal, and there are many works of his art in the background. This shows Banksy's love of art, but also his mysterious nature, showing that he doesn't want his face to be seen in the film.

When Thierry is introduced, stereotypical French music plays, in order to to accompany his French accent. I think Bansky was trying to show that Thierry is very french, and adheres to many French stereotypes.During the first part of Thierry's interview, many of his old film clips are shown. They are shown non-chronologically and very randomly. This explains his long love and obsession for filming.

Many things is this film are interesting, and give a good insight into the world of street art, the origins and early works of these famous street artists, the controversy of their work; but mainly, the film shows the progression of Thierry Guetta's obsession with art. It shows how he becomes Mr Brainwash, his 'artist' alter-ego, but touches on the fact that Mr Brainwash was an unintentional creation by Banksy.

Here is the Trailer for 'Exit Through The Gift Shop'