Film Analysis: Exit Through The Gift Shop

The documentary, “Exit through the Gift Shop” is an interesting film. The film is about two men and their success/stories in street art. Initially, a middle aged man behind the camera, Thierry Guetta, decides to film a popular street artist that goes by the name Banksy. As the film begins, we learn that Thierry Guetta grew up as a poor orphan in France, but eventually came in to money by owning a vintage clothing store. Thierry Guetta moved to Los Angeles California, where he loved to carry a camera everywhere he went so that he could capture memories. One day Thierry Guetta decides to travels to France first to follow his cousin Invader, who is also a known street artist. While following his cousin he learns of a popular street artist by the name
For instance, when Banksy finally agreed to meet and do an interview for Thierry Guetta he was willing to do whatever Banksy wanted. He offered to buy Banksy a cell phone and help get him to the best painting spots in the city for simply being a well-known and respected street artist. As the film continues on, Guetta really gets into street art, eventually turning into a street artist his self, using stencils. Banksy orders Guetta to turn the camera on him and record his own journey with his art. Although, Guetta is not an artist he eventually turns into one, gaining respect even from celebrities for a brief time. In my opinion, Thierry’s story articulates the old saying, “Fake it until you make.” In other words, since Guetta surround himself around someone who was perceived so powerful and influential it allowed him to feel as he was such. Thierry then got to a point where he truly believes in his self and was able to experience the value of his work and dedication. The title of the documentary reinforces because when you enter a museum you go in as an observer and when you exit through the gift shop you usually take something with