Watch Saving Banksy

Saving Banksy is a documentary film that explores the controversy surrounding the fate of the street artist Banksy's works. The movie follows a group of art enthusiasts who are determined to preserve a Banksy mural that appeared on a building in San Francisco in 2010. The mural, which features a rat wearing a beret and holding a paintbrush, quickly became a popular attraction among locals and tourists alike.

Despite its popularity, the building's owner, Brian Greif, faced pressure from the city to remove the mural as it was believed to trigger graffiti and subsequent vandalism. Greif eventually decided to sell the mural to a private collector, who agreed to preserve the piece and exhibit it in a gallery. However, the sale sparked a debate as to whether Banksy's artwork should be commercialized and sold for profit, especially since the elusive artist himself had previously expressed his dislike towards the commercialization of his works.

The film interviews various individuals and groups involved in the development of Banksy's artwork, including street artists, collectors, curators, and historians. The interviews provide insight into the different perspectives and opinions regarding the preservation and ownership of Banksy's art. Some argue that his work should be allowed to deteriorate and fade away naturally, as it is part of street art culture, while others believe that the art should be protected and viewed as valuable pieces of history.

Throughout the film, the viewer is also given glimpses into the process of Banksy's artwork creation, showcasing the intricacies and details that go into his pieces. Additionally, the film features rare footage of Banksy himself, including interviews where he discusses his views on the art world and the role of street art.

The main focus of the movie, however, is on the attempts to preserve Banksy's San Francisco mural. A group of art enthusiasts, including Kelly 'Risk' Graval, set out to save the mural from being destroyed or sold, knowing that the work was an integral part of the San Francisco street art culture. They eventually come up with a plan to remove the mural from the wall and preserve it for future generations to enjoy. Their efforts lead to heated debates and disagreement among different individuals and groups, highlighting the polarizing nature of the street art culture.

Overall, Saving Banksy provides a thought-provoking and informative exploration into the world of street art and the challenges surrounding the preservation of Banksy's artwork. The film raises important questions about the value of art and its ownership, as well as the role of street art in society. Through interviews and footage, the film showcases the passion and dedication of those who seek to preserve the cultural significance of Banksy's works, while also highlighting the complexities and controversies surrounding the street art culture.

Saving Banksy is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 73.