Get a Souvenir: Exit Through the Gift Shop is worth the the ride

Exit Through the Gift Shop joins fellow documentaries Catfish and I’m Still Here in their infamous debates of legitimacy. Despite claims of falsehood, this documentary brilliantly features the burning questions about the true value of art, and the inner talents of those who illustrate it.

This documentary centers around am enthusiastic Frenchmen named Thierry Guetta who has a habit of videotaping all of his actions throughout his life. He seeks to find his passion in life besides aimlessly filming his day-to-day routines (we find out later in the film his true motive behind this-it’s surprisingly understandable). Guetta is drawn into the world of street art and begins to document famous street artists as they work. He films hours upon hours of footage and meets some of the world’s most famous street artist…but there is one man he can’t on film. Guetta is in pursuit of the infamous Banksy, the globally-known artist.

Guetta finally locates Banksy, and his life changes forever. This clever documentary truly is one of the most entertaining, engaging, and enthralling films of 2010. Guetta’s journey from simpleton with a video-camera to documenter of famous artists is one of fascinating results. Rhys Ifan’s great narration is a wonderful addition. While some may question the legitimacy of the film, it is undeniable that this is a captivating documentary that features a fantastic story, and makes the viewer think about modern art and its impact on modern society.

I do see myself further looking into the story (because I, for one, would love to know what exactly was going on), but on the other hand, the mystery adds an extra element of fun. In what is sure to be 2010’s best, overlooked film, ExitThrough the Gift Shop xitexamines the world of modern art through the eyes of those who make it, and an individual who may go against the whole purpose of it. This is a thinker, and above that, an entertainer. Overall, one of 2010’s best (another documentary that accomplishes this!) also is a wonderfully mysterious tale.

Written by Cory Woodroof

News Source: MovieFilmReview