In an attempt to kill time and avoid some real work that needed to to be done, I decided to watch yet another film. I had already seen Our Idiot Brother earlier today. It was good but not worth writing. After avoiding Exit Through the Gift Shop for awhile, feeling I was never in the mood, I decided to stop being a wuss and jump into this story. Man, was I putting off a nice payoff.
Exit Through the Gift Shop is a strange and interesting tale, encompassing Theirry Guetta and his obsession with street art. Things begin with how Thierry needed to film his whole life. Soon, he become exposed to the world of street art. Two obsessions, now crashed together, created an experience for Theirry no one else had. Documenting art that wouldn't last for a day, Thierry was the historian for a modern movement. Events progress into a strange twist as Thierry soon becomes the artist he had been obsessed with for so long.
Likes - The first thing I really enjoyed about this film is the initial documenting of the street art movement. You are exposed to an amazing underground world, focused on pure expression and avoiding capture to paint another day. You see some amazing pieces and the efforts made to put them up.
Another great aspect of the film are the people in it. Theirry, Banksy, and Fairey all are interesting, honest people with interesting takes on art. Banksy and Fairey are at it from the beginning, before money was ever in the picture and fame was a consideration. Eventually Thierry comes in and does the art and is loved for it. Yet, he earns no respect from the street art community. Much like most celebrities, he gives people what they want and expects people to make up for his shortcomings and poor planning. Exit Through the Gift Shop is as much about credibly and fame as it is about art.
The last major facet I enjoyed is the dry humor in the film. Though touted as a documentary, it is anything but. The moments you wanna laugh, feel free too. That was the point!
Dislikes - I didn't dislike anything with this film. It was subtle, informative, and overall entertaining. I wouldn't sit in a theater or watch this with a group. For my desire to kill time and have a laugh though, this was perfect.
Overall - This was a very good, fun film thought nothing outstanding or ground breaking. Still, it was a perfect introduction to street art and an overall movement that needs to be under the radar to exist. Look up Mr Brainwash in Wikipedia too. It'll make you really think about what Exit Through the Gift Shop was really about.
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