preview

Thesis Of Super Size Me

Decent Essays

Contrary to the popular belief of the time, Morgan Spurlock’s amateur documentary “Supersize Me” pushed reform in both fast food culture, and eating habits of citizens, being one of the first catalysts in a new movement in America. This 2004 film, being the first of his works to establish Spurlock as a filmmaker, focuses on Spurlock’s 30 day journey in which he vowed to eat solely McDonalds for three meals a day, and track his overall mental, physical, and social changes over this span of time. Throughout the film, Spurlock consults three doctors (a gastroenterologist, a cardiologist, and a general practitioner) as well as a nutritionist to monitor physical change and gather quantitative data supporting his claim. The film often exhibited …show more content…

Although this movie has both persuasive pros as well as large flaws, I feel that the overall idea that there was/is a desperate need for reform in all aspects of the food industry was successfully conveyed, and, at least in my opinion, is also an easy thesis to agree …show more content…

For the most part, the straight forward thesis used multiple successful techniques for it’s support. One of these tactics being Spurlock’s combination of different filming styles. He utilizes a large range of film techniques from factual, statistical data to interactive, cartoon-style animations and pop-culture soundtracks. Spurlock also often interviews a multitude of different people, films his own “home-video” style shots from in his car or apartment, and even show clips of an open liposuction surgery to broaden his targeted audience, and appeal to the average person . With each additional film style Spurlock adds to his final product, he is adding new views on the same issue; that change needs to come and reforms need to be made. Thus bringing me to my next thought. This film does an exceptional job at indicating that much of these unhealthy options are coming from increased advertising. Though to some it may seem as though Spurlock is only targeting McDonalds, he is really arguing that unhealthy choices are flooding our culture, not only for the adults, but also the youth through a profound amount of advertising. Everything from commercials on T.V. with fun characters and catchy jingles to large, flashy billboards, Spurlock suggests that this has a large impact on many people. And as A. O. Scott says in his review of the movie, “anyone

Get Access