If you don't know the name Banksy, you're not alone. When I first heard about his new film, Exit Through the Gift Shop, I had to look him up on Wikipedia. Apparently he's a world renowned graffiti artist, who mainly works in Europe. You can see an example of his work below:


Banksy's true identity is unknown and so, while he's in the movie, his identity remains hidden throughout. The film debuted at Sundance this year and received a lot of praise. The film is in some way about Banksy and a French filmmaker, but other than that not much is very clear. The press release says:

"Exit Through the Gift Shop, the first film by renowned graffiti artist Banksy, became the hottest ticket at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival where it made its world debut. Banksy is a graffiti artist with a global reputation whose work can be seen on walls from post—hurricane New Orleans to the separation barrier on the Palestinian West Bank. Fiercely guarding his anonymity to avoid prosecution, Banksy has so far resisted all attempts to be captured on film. Exit Through the Gift Shop tells the incredible true story of how an eccentric French shop keeper turned documentary maker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner – with spectacular results. The film contains exclusive footage of Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Invader and many of the world’s most infamous graffiti artists at work, on walls and in interview. As Banksy describes it, “It’s basically the story of how one man set out to film the un—filmable. And failed”

Other that that, the only thing I know is that the title refers to how Walt Disney wanted the rides at DisneyWorld to exit through the gift shop to encourage customers to buy more souvenirs. Below you can find a brand new, exclusive 5 min clip from the film. Watch it and let me know what you thing in the comments.

Labels: movies