Exit Through the Gift Shop

[Greg]

Okay. I looked. I was pretty sure someone had reviewed this one before me. 

If you are looking for a film that celebrates the life that talks about street artist Banksy, you would be mistaken. As was I.

Although, Banksy is in it, filmed in shadow with his voice disguised. Banksy actually made this film about another artist he knows called Thierry Guetta. Guetta was just a man with a camera who filmed everything. Everything. But then he filmed a street artist. And then he helped the street artist. Then he met other street artists. Then he met Banksy. Then he decided he wanted to be a street artist.

It was kind of tragic. You never got the idea that Guetta was an artist. He just knew what an artist was supposed to do and did those things. Much to the chagrin of his fellow artists.

It was kind of fascinating. Like watching a train wreck.

My main problem with the film is I hate graffiti and I'm watching a film that celebrates it. However, the consternation that Guetta's fame causes the "Real Street Artists" almost makes it worth it.

[El Dingo]

I liked this because of the slow redirecting of the subject to the observer.

A similar and even more brutal redirection is the documentary on folk-rock band 'The National' "Mistaken for Strangers".

The lead singer's brother goes from roadie to videographer to emotional breakdown as he watches his sibling's success.