Following its semi-surprise Oscar nomination last week, “Exit Through the Gift Shop” has received a nifty publicity boost from this prominent Banksy-honoring mural (pictured right, and in more detail after the jump) that went up recently in Los Angeles. Although some were quick to assume it’s the work of the man himself, all signs point instead to Mr. Brainwash — the Banksy-mentored street artist who emerges as the hapless protagonist of the documentary.
The resulting is-it-or-isn’t-it discussion neatly echoes the conversation around the film as a whole — and since Banksy can hardly work the campaign circuit himself, at least someone’s doing on behalf of the film.
Meanwhile, the more I think about this particularly Oscar race, the more I think there’s something to Kris’s prediction that it’s the inevitably absent Banksy who will emerge victorious on February 27. This is, after all, a category on which voters are required to see all five nominees before checking off their ballots — a situation where the film’s eccentricity could work in its favor.
With the quality of the nominees uniformly high, might some voters feel bludgeoned by the hard realities of the other four nominees — presumed frontrunner (and top grosser) “Inside Job,” in particular — and welcome the fifth film’s playful streak? Or will they just think it comparatively insubstantial? This is a harder race to read than many pundits are giving it credit for. Even without involuntary stunts like this one, however,“Exit Through the Gift Shop” has been arguably the most talked-about film of the five. That can’t hurt.
Comments
21 responses to “Someone’s campaigning for Banksy”
Does every Academy member vote for Best Documentary? Or do you have to prove you’ve seen them all?
Yes, you do. Academy rules state:
This is the only nominee I’ve seen, but I’m rooting for it to win. Maybe I’ll change my mind when I get a chance to see the others, but for now, go Banksy!
Charlie Brooker wrote of Banksy “…his work looks dazzlingly clever to idiots”.
I’m inclined to agree with Mr. Brooker.
There is no lower, or lazier, form of criticism than, “You must be stupid to like X.”
But whatever makes you feel good about yourself, I guess.
This film reminded me a lot of Orson Welles’ F For Fake. I think this is a superb film and would make for one of the best winners of the night (while also possibly creating the most memorable moment?)
Only a matter of time before Mr. Brainwash takes credit for the mural and starts selling t-shirts.
Guy, it was a loaded statement. What else is there to say? I was expressing my opinion that the fellow doesn’t warrant this much attention and the cult (and it is very much that) built around him is somewhat questionable. I can admire his skills but there is hardly anything smart about how he uses them.
When I read statements like the one below that conveniently and sheepishly substitute the word “would” for the word “can”,
“and since Banksy can hardly work the campaign circuit himself, at least someone’s doing on behalf of the film”
I have to wonder, why can’t he? Why can’t he???*
Especially since he so clearly wants it. What a coup for an annonymous fake dude. What an ego stroke.
*(And ignoring his statements to the press) Not that he has to campaigh himself, clearly.
Why do all signs point to this being the work of Mr. Brainwash?
Sorry, I forgot to include the relevant link — there’s apparently a signature, and it’s on a wall that’s a regular canvas of his.
Maxim, “What else is there to say?” Nothing. Say you don’t like the movie, but why vaguely (well, not so vaguely, actually) insult others in the process?
I’m rooting for Bansky. “Exit” is the best documentary I’ve seen in years. It made me laugh many times and I love Bansky’s art — but Mr. Brainwash’s art… not so much;)
I, too, am on Team Banksy. I’m usually not one for documentary film, but this is one of the few that I’ve seen in the last decade that absolutely floored me. It this would a super-cool move on the Academy’s part…which means it probably won’t happen :P
I wonder if those are Fischer-Price blasters.
How come these strict rules about who votes for what isn’t applied to more categories?
I’m on team “Exit”, but “Inside Job” was stunning also, so I won’t mind one bit if that wins. Just the idea of “Exit” winning is so amusing it tips my favour into its direction. I wasn’t as keen of “GasLand” and “Restrepo” is getting a direct-to-DVD Aussie release on Feb 16 so won’t have an opinion on that until then.
“Wasteland” will, unfortunately, go unseen before the ceremony, but this will nevertheless be my highest number of documentary nominee screenings BEFORE the ceremony since 2002’s roster (“Columbine”, “Travelling Birds” and “Spellbound” all got well wide-ish releases here.)
Hell, I’ve never had a year where I’ve seen all five documentary nominees before OR after the ceremony so 4/5 this year is a good number.
Dooooooope!
Guy: If I told you at the beginning of the year that both Trent Reznor AND Banksy would be in the position to possibly take home (not literaly, in the case of Banksy) Oscars, what would your reaction have been?
this is banksy’s sellout move. no more pretentious lecturing from banksy about capitalism and all the other hip revolutionary stuff these trendy liberals eat up. havent seen the film, but the idea of banksy in insufferable.
I think Maxim needs to address his anger issues.
“Maxim, “What else is there to say?” Nothing. Say you don’t like the movie, but why vaguely (well, not so vaguely, actually) insult others in the process”
I would just like to calmely point out that the point I was trying to make is completely different and if I thought that there was any subtle way of making it clear I would have done so.
I think the quote above has served me rather well, all things considered, in so much as explaining what it is I am really talking about. Plus I was hoping that the context of where the quote came from (easily findable online) could make up for any lack of elboration of my part. I was wrong or at least, seem to have difficult time finding acceptance for what I *actually* mean to say.
So, for the sake of maximum transpancy, I said nothing about disliking the film. My point has nothing to do with itand everything to do with Banksy, who, in all fairness, has gotten at least as much attention if not more, as his film. And, yes, there is a difference.
I guess, I cannot hold an opinion that the guy is a glorified cartoonist of questionable wit and possible ego trip issues without being occused of anger problems. Guys, it’s just a simple case of feeling the need to voice an opinion that the guy isn’t worthy of the money people pay to collect his art.
Or the fact that I am yet to find any resonable justification for why he chooses to remain annonymous either. Apart from commercial benefits and extra attention. I am sorry but I do not think that makes him Fly. Or Batman.
It’s an unhip opinion, I admit but had he been someone less likable thinking that finding him smart makes you a tool could be overlooked if not embraced.
On the other hand, someone like James Mirsh will not be seen as angry around parts. So, whatever.