Review of Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010) by Ola G — 21 Aug 2011

"Exit Through the Gift Shop: A Banksy Film" is a film directed by the worldfamous street and fine artist Banksy that tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles, and his obsession with street art. The film charts Guetta's constant documenting of his every waking moment on film, from a chance encounter with his cousin, the artist Invader, to his introduction to a host of street artists with a focus on Shepard Fairey and Banksy to Guetta's eventual fame as a street artist himself. There has been a debate over whether the documentary is genuine or a mockumentary.

I reckon most people know of Banksy these days and his excellent political and social comments via street art and installations. When I heard about "Exit Through the Gift Shop" I was thrilled to see what he had put out and the result hardly disappoints. It is difficult to say if it is a mockumentary or not (with Banksy you can never know...), but nevertheless it is a very entertaining and inspirational documentary.