Exit Through The Gift Shop-Believe it or Not?

In the ever-mysterious Banksy’s Exit Through The Gift Shop, the “filmmaker” tells the story of Thierry Guetta, an immigrant in Los Angeles and his obsession with street art. The “film” charts Guetta's constant documenting of every waking moment on film, from a chance encounter with his cousin, to his introduction to a host of street artists with a focus on Shepard Fairey. Banksy, whose anonymity is preserved by obscuring his face and altering his voice, ironically leads to Guetta's eventual fame as a street artist himself.  With most documentaries the viewing public watches, there is always going to be manipulation or deception of truth.  Regardless if it is done unintentionally, there is some manipulation of the truth simply because it's from a biased point of view and not an objective third party.  I personally do not feel that Banksy deliberately sought to create a film reliant on deception, as most people would love to believe.  Of course, there was some manipulation. 

 In one example, the last parts of the film showed Mr. Brainwash in a not so favorable situation, thus deceiving him.  While he was being interviewed on his rise to fame, he probably was under the impression that he was going to be shown in a positive light.  This was no falsehood or lapse in judgment on Banksy's part.  He knew exactly what he was doing, and purposefully manipulated Mr. Brainwash to show everyone what a real sell-out is.  Banksy’s intentions with Exit Through the Gift Shop shed light on a difference between true street artists such as the ones shot by Mr. Brainwash, or contrastingly, the sell-outs who make pop art with the influences of street style.  Audiences will always be skeptical of anything they watch, but in my own opinion, I trust this film. Even if Banksy deliberately manipulated Brainwash, there was no manipulation of footage and interviews, in most cases throughout.