FOFC Movie Discussion: Exit Through the Gift Shop

[BishopMVP]

This seemed like a pretty cool idea (re-)proposed by cthomer a month ago - FOFC Movie Club? / Netflix Instant Streaming - Front Office Football Central . I have little experience leading a discussion group, but since no one else wants to take the lead I'll try my best. The one main change I am making to cthomer's vision is eliminating the dead time that I think has killed previous attempts, so I'm just going to pick a movie and go. If you've seen it and have thoughts, feel free to start posting them instead of waiting for me to start. If you haven't seen it, feel free to jump in before watching or whenever you get around to it, but expect spoilers in this thread. I'm going to rewatch the movie in the next couple days and attempt to facilitate discussion if necessary, but hopefully you guys are already on to multiple tangents.

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP (2010)

Originally Posted by netflix description

Amateur filmmaker Thierry Guetta's project to chronicle the underground world of street art takes a fascinating twist when he meets Banksy, an elusive British stencil artist, in this Independent Spirit Award winner for Best Documentary. Unimpressed with Guetta's footage, Banksy takes over filmmaking duties while Guetta reinvents himself as a street artist and -- much to Banksy's surprise -- instantly becomes a darling of the Los Angeles art scene.

Nominated for best documentary, and currently available to Watch Instantly, I found it an interesting take on the intersection of pop culture and art and the current culture of celebrity.

[Young Drachma]

I think it was interesting. I've seen theories since I saw that Banksy was Mr. Brainwash and so forth. I don't know that it matters (and I don't think he is) because of how it went down. It was a well done film, entertaining and most of all presented a real perspective on street art.

[Butter]

I was ready to turn it off after the first half, but the last half completely redeemed it.

I guess the real question is, does Mr. Brainwash know that he is a laughing stock in the art community, or is he in on it? If he isn't in on it, and he DOES know... does he really care?

Or does it even matter, since apparently he has made millions since he started?