Wall Writers: Graffiti In Its Innocence

Wall Writers: Graffiti In Its Innocence is a visually pleasing, narratively compelling 2016 documentary film exploring the world of graffiti before it was an artistic phenomenon widely accepted by society. Encouraging and absorbing, this movie showcases some of the most unruly and remarkable talents and in turn, gives a platform to a subculture that has often been ignored, overlooked, or vilified.

Directed by Roger Gastman and narratively guided by the legendary filmmaker, John Waters, Wall Writers tirelessly works to peel back the veil on the gritty urban underworld where graffiti seeing its dawn in the late 1960s and early 70s. The featured pioneers including Bama, Cornbread, Wicked Gary, and other influential artists who leave indelible imprints on the graffiti culture, conjuring the very definition of 'street art.'

The film presents an uncensored view of American city life from an array of vantage points, depicting the raw soul of the city and the individuals who dare to make their mark on its landscapes. With over two hours of exclusive interviews and rare footage, Wall Writers dives deep into the experiences of these urban artists, bringing to light their untold stories and contributions to contemporary street art. The narrative also juxtaposes the dynamism of their creations with the hostile reception these received from civic authorities and property owners.

This exploration begins in Philadelphia and travels to New York City, revealing the motivations and troubles of the start of an art movement that has become a global phenomenon today. The film extensively covers the birth of graffiti and its evolution, from acts of teenage rebellion to the assembly of identity and the demand for public space.

Wall Writers: Graffiti In Its Innocence is not simply a documentary on graffiti, but an exploration of youth culture and the broader cultural and socio-political shifts taking place in America during this time. We see how the explosion of graffiti mirrored the unrest of the time - a response to the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, the counterculture movement, and urban decay.

The film also illustrates how these artists fought against the status quo, using their work to disrupt rigid societal norms and political authorities. We see the painterly scrawlings of these artists as not just an act of rebellion but also a desperate cry for recognition and a declaration of existence. We see how graffiti gave them a voice — a means to shout ‘I am here, and I exist’ into an indifferent cityscape. Wicked Gary, Bama, and Cornbread, among others, became legends in their urban communities, scribbling their allegories across the vast canvases offered by city walls and subway cars.

Accompanied by a rich mix of archival footage and personal narratives, the film manages to paint a comprehensive picture of graffiti’s early days. The footage is at times charmingly grainy and stripped-down, reflecting the raw, unrefined energy of the artists it chronicles. The powerful storytelling is complimented by a soundtrack echoing with the rhythm of the 1960s and '70s, enhancing the immersive, authentic ambiance of the era.

Wall Writers refuses to romanticize graffiti; it acknowledges it as an act of defiance, as a form of protest and rebellion. Despite this, it also emphasizes how it acted as a platform for the marginalized youth, allowing them to express their identity, stake their claim and transform their urban environment.

Equal parts social commentary and historical record, Wall Writers: Graffiti In Its Innocence is a poignant tribute to the pioneers of graffiti. It is about art, passion, societal change, and the unstoppable spirit of human youth. A must-watch for enthusiasts of street art and understand the explosion of graffiti art, the film offers a window into the past, showcasing a time when the chaotic scrawls of graffiti were a new form of liberty and self-expression.