Video of the Week... Banksy reveals all

Graffiti artist Banksy's debut feature film, Exit Through the Gift Shop, will be shown by the artist in a screening similar to surrounds in which he earned his reputation - beneath the streets of London.

Later this week, Banksy's film will be shown in a special underground "cinema" adorned with the street artist's works.

Exit Through the Gift Shop - billed as the "the world's first street art disaster movie" - has already proven a success after screening at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, last month.

Banksy's Naked Man, sprayed the wall of a sexual health clinic in Bristol
Banksy's Naked Man, sprayed on the
wall of a sexual health clinic in Bristol

Today, Banksy remains a cultural phenomenon - and his contradictory strategy of remaining anonymous while courting the press has extended to positive reviews for his new film.

According to reports, Exit Through the Gift Shop: A Banksy Film is a humorous documentary that was originally the work of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant-turned-filmmaker.

Guetta's film was originally about street artists including Banksy. That is, before Banksy apparently chose to flip the artifice of filmmaking on its head and turn the cameras back on Guetta.

In a further twist, as Banksy turns filmmaker, Guetta turns graffiti artist under the pseudonym Mr Brainwash. Mr Brainwash has since enjoyed his own success, including designing the artwork for Madonna's third greatest hits album, Celebration.

Putting aside the idea that the film's 'back story' might also be a ruse, one thing for certain is that Banksy is its star - even though his face and voice remain hidden throughout.

Today's Video of the Week (top) features a covert interview with the anonymous Banksy, and takes a closer look at the film, Banksy's ongoing notoriety and the phenomenon of street art.

Meanwhile, a video identified as the film's official trailer has been posted on Youtube (above).

In other Banksy news, Paul Fraser Collectibles has been named one of the 100 Best Things About Bristol along with Banksy himself (rumoured to be a native of nearby Yate, South Gloucestershire) and Wallace & Gromit.

Banksy's exhibition at Bristol Museum, entitled Banksy Vs Bristol Museum, attracted a record-breaking 350,000 visitors and mass queues last year.

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