Exit Through the Gift Shop

The Landmark Century Centre Cinema
2828 N. Clark Street, Chicago
‎1 hr. 27 mins. Rated R

Exit Through the Gift Shop debuted at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival back in March and was intended to be a surprise. Why? Well quite frankly because that’s what Banksy,its director, is nortorious for-popping up when you least expect it and making a statement. Nobody is certain as to his true identity and so he remains the infamous street artist known only as Banksy. Regardless of his background,(or lack thereof) Banksy’s latest venture as a director has managed to intrigue fans and skeptics alike. This is a film by Banksy, not to be confused with a film ABOUT Banksy. The anonymous artist has added to his resume with a film about the once underground urban culture phenomenon known as “street art.”

After endless months of being the star in a film with no name, Banksy decides to assist his new entrusted confidant, Thierry Guetta, the producer with obvious OCD tendencies who makes sense of video footage he’s hoarded. Banksy suggests the time has arrived for the “movie” to head into production and offers up his help. Well, you know how the saying goes: “Be sure not to bite off more than you can chew.”  Well, Banksy soon realizes he has unleashed a beast! Nonetheless, in true Banksy style, he finds a way to blend his creativity and Thierry’s obsession, eventually making sense out of chaos, but in order to do so he had to step behind the camera, something he’s never done. Banksy’s satirical work can be seen all over the world. His street art pokes criticism at politics, culture, and ethics. For over a decade he has incorporated graffiti art, stencilling, and sculptures in hopes of shedding light on issues he feels are social/economical injustices. Now, not only will he be known as an infamous graffiti artist and sculptor, he has now earned the title of film director. The man without a face has left his mark yet again-this time in the theaters. So whether your fingertips are multicolored from the tips of your spray cans and you see him as an icon or if the idea of graffiti as a form of art is a joke in your opinion, there is no disputing the obvious….preconceived notions aside people-this is more than a film about graffiti. It’s about passion, dedication, and loyalty. It’s filled with humor and definitely worth checking out! Who knows? You might just walk away with a new found appreciation for graffiti, Banksy, or MBW….or not.

http://www.banksy.co.uk/

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=banksy&w=all