Analysis Of The Documentary 'Exit Through The Gift Shop'

The documentary, “Exit through the Gift Shop” is very structured. The introductions at the beginning of the film give it great context. This film shows a totally different aspect on the street art world. The general idea of this documentary is to show to its viewers that street art wasn’t about money at all. The documentary debuts a British street artist, Banksy. Throughout the film Banksy tells the story of Thierry Guetta, who is a French, Los Angeles thrift shop owner. In this film, Guetta is the primary focus. His compulsion to videotape each and every moment in his life led him to document street art.

While having the love and passion for street art, Guetta’s cousin, Space Invader, let him film his spreading of illegal street art. Space Invader introduced Guetta to several other street artists, whom also allowed him to film their street art. When Guetta hears about Banksy, he was ecstatic to find him. With Guetta’s street art reputation, the two soon meet and gain a friendship. After the bonding of their friendship, Guetta videotaped Banky’s “Guantanamo” prank that was done at Disneyland. This prank consisted of being handcuffed in an orange jumpsuit placed beside a ride at the amusement park.

While being friends and getting along that all soon changed when Banksy suggested that Guetta stop shooting and take the footage he has shot and turn it into a documentary. Guetta wasn’t much on that suggestion and Banksy decided to take over the project. Banksy decided to use the footage and add extra material to make his own movie about Guetta’s journey in this project. Banksy then pushed Guetta in a new direction, where he becomes somewhat of a street artist like Banksy. While doing street art, he shocked everyone with spectacular...

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...ngs and that is what street artists sometimes do as well, just in a different form of art. Painting on the walls sometimes helps artists reach out to the public. Often artists use smart vandalism to raise awareness for political and social issues all around the world.

Anyone who wants to learn more about the aspects of street art should definitely watch the documentary “Exit through the Gift Shop.” I’m not much on any film that has to deal with art, but this one caught my attention. If you are like me and don’t care much for any film that has to deal with art, think again! I had never heard of Banksy until I watched this documentary, and let’s just say I was astonished by his street artwork. This film explores modern art and shows people’s perceptions to art. However, this movie is not a movie intended for any children to watch due to the amount of foul language.