Exit through the Gift Shop

Billed as a documentary about Banksy (an anonymous street artist), the film comes out early in an interview with said Banksy. He says something to the effect of "This was going to be a film about me, but the filmmaker is much more interesting, so it is really a film about him". And it is true. There is only so much interest a shadowy, voice altered anonymous character can generate no matter how much graphic talent he has or how "real" he is (or isn't). But Thierry is a French guy who for many years filmed everything in his life. He is odd and a bit self absorbed. He gets involved with street aritists and again films everything, resulting is some excellent footage of the act and the process of creating street art. In the end, Thierry fancies himself an artist and creates "art". The most interesting part of this film is the reaction to Thierry's art. Both by the buyers (he became very wealthy) and by other artists (he cheated?). It raises the question of what actually determines the value of art. There seem to be unwritten/unknown rules about what the necessary process and credentials are to be considered an artist, and you only know you have broken these rules when you break them.
3 stars (out of 5)