After creating a serious amount of hooha at Sundance with his film Exit Through the Gift Shop, British graffiti artist Banksy kept the momentum going for the London premiere yesterday by deciding to forgo the usual glitzy Leicester Square cinemas and instead creating his own cinema to introduce British audiences to the film.
Exit Through the Gift Shop will be screened until March 4th in a purpose-built cinema in a tunnel below Waterloo Station. Hailed as “London’s newest, darkest and dirtiest purpose-built cinema” the venue includes a popcorn stall, lounge bar, and “stunning” temporary toilet facilities.
After the premiere yesterday the audience members were presented with tins of spray paint as they left the cinema, which is located in an authorised graffiti area. At the entrance billboards read “No sexism, no racism, no adverts,” and “You don’t have to be a gangster to paint here, so please don’t behave like one.”
In a written statement from the artist he explained, “We’ve got an usherette, except she sells spray paint instead of cigarettes. I think graffiti writing might actually be more socially acceptable than smoking,” and went on to say that he’d decided to show the film this way so “normal people” can see it “before the celebrities get stains all over the furniture”.
The tunnels are owned by The Old Vic theatre, of which Kevin Spacey is Artistic Director. In a statement yesterday he said “The Old Vic is thrilled to be developing plans for this incredible space, where exciting performances and creative collaborations will feature throughout the year. Inspired by the success of Tunnel 228 last year, this epic space beneath Waterloo Station will again host memorable experiences for visitors.”
Even though I saw this at Sundance (review on it’s way I promise) I’m definitely going to check this out this week, old underground tunnels in London are fascinating and I can’t wait to see what he’s done with the space.
To book tickets the link is here.
Talk about advertising a movie…
It’s vs. its
went to see this film at the Cameo cinema last night in Edinburgh. A small screen with a handful of people added to the underground feel of the film. The atmosphere was very nice indeed. I wouldn’t normally pay to go the cinema since I have a cine world card but as ‘EXIT through the gift shop’ isn’t even comparable to the tripe that’s in the cinema at the moment I didn’t mind paying, plus I get to support a lovely wee independent cinema that needs the money. Anyway, to the film… Really good. Wasn’t entirely sure what the film was about, id read a little and was aware it was opening at the Berlin Film festival back in February, annoyingly just as I was leaving Berlin (worst timing for a holiday ever with the likes of Werner Hertzog doing talks.) Anyway the film is about a man who tried to make a documentary about the world famous graffiti artist named Banksy, whose face has never been seen publicly. It follows his story through footage he filmed on his camera. Banksy occasionally appears on camera (in shadow) explaining what’s going on, along with other famous graffiti artists which was entertaining. Brilliant wee film that I think is better seen when you don’t know much about it. So I wont say any more other than it was greatly entertaining and enjoyable. Anyone who is remotely interested in Documentary film making or underground movements such as graffiti should see it while they can at their local independent cinemas.