The documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop, sparked many conspiracy theories after its debut at the Sundance Film Festival. One popular theory suggested that Banksy, David Guetta, and Thierry were all fakes whose real purpose was to make a commercial film lampooning the commercialization of art. Another theory asserted that the artist and Banksy collaborated to create the film. Regardless of its esoteric explanation, Exit Through the Gift Shop remains a fascinating look at the commercialization of art.
Film review
Film critics are quick to point out that Banksy, the street artist behind the most popular cartoon image for Barack Obama's election campaign, was also involved in the making of the new documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. The film documents the life of Thierry Guetta, a Frenchman living in Los Angeles who was always carrying a camera. He collected thousands of tapes of his life and documented it in his work.
Rather than focusing on the street artists themselves, "Exit Through the Gift Shop" is a film that explores their creative process, which is often disregarded in the pursuit of commercial success. Despite its apparent lack of authenticity, it is an enjoyable satire on the art world and pop culture as a whole. But beware of the film's sloppy camera work and unrealistic storytelling - it can be a hoax.
Hoax
The film, "Exit Through the Gift Shop," recently screened at the Sundance Film Festival, and has since become the subject of controversy. Many have questioned its authenticity, while others believe it is a hoax. The filmmakers have also been accused of playing a role in the commodification of art, though they say that is a far cry from hoaxing. However, while the film is not a real hoax, it raises questions about talent, authenticity, and value.
The film's premise is that "Thierry" is a real person who lives in Los Angeles and discovered street art. His obsession with the art became so intense that he began filming them for eight years. While he was making the film, Thierry convinced the public that he was actually working with these artists to make a documentary about the phenomenon. This ploy proved to be a wildly successful one.
Feels fresh
"Exit Through the Gift Shop" is a brisk documentary about street art, and about how mainstream consumerism is destroying the art world. It's a satirical, yet thought-provoking look at the culture of street artists and the destruction of coffee shops, acoustic music, and art in general. The film follows a young man's odyssey into the world of street art, and follows his attempts to become a street artist himself. The film is entertaining, and the final scene leaves you thinking about how much more there is to this subject.
The movie makes you want to visit an art gallery, but you're not sure how to get to the "happening" place. Exit Through the Gift Shop is a concept film more closely related to street art than to mainstream cinema, and it's a little too brash for its own good. Still, it has a few memorable parts that are worth watching, and it's possible to laugh along with the film, even if the rest is a bit corny.
Subversive
"Exit Through the Gift Shop" is an engaging documentary about the world of graffiti and street art. Although many of us know the name Banksy or have seen his work, very few of us actually know much about this growing culture. But if you have a few minutes to spare, you should watch this film. It's sure to leave you inspired and laughing. But before you get your hopes up, you should know that the film was created by a street artist who is known worldwide for his work.
"Exit Through the Gift Shop" is a postmodern ironic conceit. While it's difficult to identify Banksy's exact intentions, he has created an absurd film that plays on the viewer's desire to experience art. While the film's fake documentary exterior belies the true nature of the artist's intention, the movie is a provocative and hilarious study of low-level crime. It's also a modern fairytale with bolt cutters.
