Review of Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010) by Max K — 06 Mar 2011

Exit Through the Gift Shop bends fiction and reality to a level far greater than Inception could ever achieve. The film was much more real than I had suspected and some would even argue it is completely truthful.

I loved how the film progressed and the central plot was revealed. Rather than entering a generic debate of what constitures art, it became a debate over what art is not. Banksy is hilarious thoughout, providing multiple zingers.

The main character is certifiably insane. Some parts are more obviously an extension of the truth, like the Disney escapade and the quasi-film that was created. Hype becomes an important aspect of Mr Brainwash, an important aspect of art itself. The street artists frame the film well and are criminals but at some point what they do becomes art. This is a closeup and personal look into their world.

The American was interesting creating one of the most memorable images of the last decade. Then there was the irony that even he didn't create the famous image.

Banksy somehow is still anonymous throughout and beyond this film. It is amazing to see the mammoth value that some of his pieces create like the phonebooth that sold for an insane amount. The fact that the fictional nature still remains uncertain is the greatest accomplishment of this film.