Exit Through The Gift Shop instantly became my favorite documentary of the year. One of my favorite movies of the year really, regardless of genre.

It’s the story of Thierry, a Frenchman in LA who at a young age became obsessed with video recording everything. Around 10 years ago. he takes notice of the underground graffiti art scene and quickly befriends one of the bigger names (Invader). Making friends and involving himself in the process, he makes connections with many artists around the city with his camera with him at all times. He tells everyone that he’s going to make a documentary about graffiti art, but has no intentions to (he has no idea how to make a movie are really doesn’t want to). With a stroke of luck and diligents Thierry meets the legendary Brit artist Banksy. They become friends and partners in crime (as it may be) and all of these influences eventually turn Thierry into “Mr. Brain Wash”, a successful artists who circumvents all of the hard work that the others have done.

This is an amazing story and it’s all true. By the end you’ll be flabbergasted about how Thierry managed to become an ‘artist’. It seems like a joke, but it’s not. Thierry is just a goofball, an interesting personality that got kinda lucky. He seems like a genuine person with no ill will, but his child like attitude and behavior steps on a lot of toes. This movie is the by product of Thierry’s failed movie. He actually manages to edit his thousands of hours of footage into what’s basically an hour and a half random clip reel. Seeing that it’s garbage, Banksy takes it over and by turning the focal point to Thierry, Exit Through The Gift Shop was made.

I can’t push this docu to people enough. It’s just fascinating. It’s really well made, it has a clear and thought full path that ends up pointing out that the art scene is truly made by people. Hype and perception alone makes art (regardless of quality and content) monetarily valuable and thus, desirable.

It’s funny, sad, crazy and mesmerizing all at the same time. Plus, there is some really amazing art with amazing people on display here. Highly recommended.