Exit Through The Gift Shop
Kassandra Bradley
Dr. Ilona Szekely
Art 420
09 February 2017
Film Critique- Exit through the Gift Shop
“Exit Through the Gift Shop” is a documentary mainly about street art. The film is mostly documented by a man named Thierry Guetta. “Exit Through the Gift Shop” features many street artists. The first artist featured was Guetta’s cousin, known as space invader. Another artist was Shepard Fairey. Fairey is known for creating the Obama ‘Hope’ posters. The main street artist in the film is known as Banksy. This movie is also known as “Banksy Film.” Banksy is a famous yet secretive British street artist. At first Banksy was worried that he would be exposed if he was filmed. However, Banksy and Guetta form a trust bond after a day at Disney
Land. During their visit, Guetta is taken by security, but he refuses to give up Banksy. The film follows Banksy around as he creates his street art. Later in the film, Guetta decides he wants to create street art as well. Guetta creates a little street art of himself on buildings.
“Exit Through the Gift Shop” provided me with an insight into many street artists’ life. This is possibly the best documentary I have seen. The film shows the failures and success of being a street artist. It is revealing about our perception of art. The question “What is art?” has remained in my head until I watched this film. Art can be anything. In this film, each piece of art is completely different yet it is still known as art. The term art has its own definition to each individual.
One element that stood out to me is how Banksy’s identity remained a secret. Banksy trusted a stranger, Guetta, to record him. Of course, Banksy checked the film afterwards, but there was still a chance of him being exposed. The level of trust between Banksy and Guetta amazed me. It amazed me because I would not be able to trust someone this much. I would have had to know the person filming me for years before I would have allowed the or she to record me.
Dr. Ilona Szekely
Art 420
09 February 2017
Film Critique- Exit through the Gift Shop
“Exit Through the Gift Shop” is a documentary mainly about street art. The film is mostly documented by a man named Thierry Guetta. “Exit Through the Gift Shop” features many street artists. The first artist featured was Guetta’s cousin, known as space invader. Another artist was Shepard Fairey. Fairey is known for creating the Obama ‘Hope’ posters. The main street artist in the film is known as Banksy. This movie is also known as “Banksy Film.” Banksy is a famous yet secretive British street artist. At first Banksy was worried that he would be exposed if he was filmed. However, Banksy and Guetta form a trust bond after a day at Disney
Land. During their visit, Guetta is taken by security, but he refuses to give up Banksy. The film follows Banksy around as he creates his street art. Later in the film, Guetta decides he wants to create street art as well. Guetta creates a little street art of himself on buildings.
“Exit Through the Gift Shop” provided me with an insight into many street artists’ life. This is possibly the best documentary I have seen. The film shows the failures and success of being a street artist. It is revealing about our perception of art. The question “What is art?” has remained in my head until I watched this film. Art can be anything. In this film, each piece of art is completely different yet it is still known as art. The term art has its own definition to each individual.
One element that stood out to me is how Banksy’s identity remained a secret. Banksy trusted a stranger, Guetta, to record him. Of course, Banksy checked the film afterwards, but there was still a chance of him being exposed. The level of trust between Banksy and Guetta amazed me. It amazed me because I would not be able to trust someone this much. I would have had to know the person filming me for years before I would have allowed the or she to record me.