Watch Vigilante Vigilante: The Battle for Expression

Vigilante Vigilante: The Battle for Expression is a documentary film directed by Max Good about the graffiti prevention movement and its impact on street art culture in America. Released in 2011, the film features interviews with both sides of the debate: the activists who believe that graffiti is a sign of urban decay and criminality, and the artists who see it as a legitimate form of artistic expression.

The film follows several key figures in the fight against graffiti, including Joe Connolly, a former graffiti artist turned anti-graffiti activist, and Michael Dingler, a self-proclaimed "vigilante" who seeks out and covers up graffiti in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. The film also features interviews with city officials and law enforcement agents who share their perspectives on the issue.

Despite its seemingly niche subject matter, Vigilante Vigilante manages to raise broader questions about the role of public art in society, the power dynamics of urban space, and the tension between individual expression and public order. As the film delves deeper into the motivations behind both the anti-graffiti activists and the graffiti artists themselves, it becomes clear that there are no easy answers to these questions.

At its core, the film is a portrait of a community in conflict, grappling with questions of identity, power, and the meaning of public space. Whether you see graffiti as a blight on the urban landscape or a legitimate form of expression, Vigilante Vigilante is a thought-provoking exploration of these issues, and a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, politics, and urban culture.

Throughout the film, director Max Good expertly weaves together the voices of his various subjects, creating a dynamic and nuanced portrait of the graffiti prevention movement and its impact on street art culture. Despite the violent confrontations that occasionally erupt between anti-graffiti activists and graffiti artists, the film maintains a balanced perspective throughout, never demonizing either side.

In addition to interviews with activists and artists, the film includes stunning footage of graffiti from around the country, from the colorful murals of San Francisco's Mission District to the gritty tags of New York's subway system. This footage helps to contextualize the debate, showing the diversity and richness of the graffiti art form and highlighting the complexity of issues surrounding its presence in public spaces.

Overall, Vigilante Vigilante: The Battle for Expression is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a fascinating and often-overlooked aspect of urban culture. With its vivid characters, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking subject matter, this film is sure to stimulate lively conversations and debates among viewers. Whether you're a seasoned graffiti artist or simply someone interested in the intersection of art and politics, this film is not to be missed.

Vigilante Vigilante: The Battle for Expression is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.