Rated R for language
Release Date: 5 March 2010 (UK)
Cast:
Thierry Guetta aka Mr. Brainwash / MBW
Banksy as himself
Shepard Fairey as himself
Invader as himself
Rhys Ifans as narrator
A Banksy Film
For those who don’t know of Banksy and his work the first half of the movie will be a revelation, until tables turn. Shot like a documentary the film takes you on journey into the world of street art…but that’s just part of it.
Thierry Guetta an amateur obsessive reel buster, on his visit to France finds himself obsessed with his cousin’s (Space Invader) night time activities, he is of the pioneers in modern street art/graffiti; from there on the journey of this eccentric shop owner/French expat living in LA begins, and his filming atlast finds direction. He is consumed by his passion to film street artists and following them around the world, till he comes across Banksy’s art and eventually fate leads him to the man himself.
Guetta amused, fascinated and completely awed by Banksy follows him around until he wins his trust and manages to become his accomplice. What happens next you have to watch for yourself to find out, it’s best to leave it as a surprise. It’s a farce, a satire, a documentary and a story with a conscience… the title gives away the moral lesson to some extent if you have the depth to analyse it.
It is a riveting glimpse into the world of street art and the takeover of the art world by modern consumerism. Banksy with his film pulls yet another sly one on every one. Referred to as a ‘punkumentary’ it will keep you guessing: was it all true?
Official Website: http://www.banksyfilm.com/
