Documentary Review: Supersize Me

Summary:
Supersize Me is a 2004 American Documentary film follows Morgan Spurlock in a 30-day period from  February 1 to March 2, 2003 during which he only eats McDonalds food.

The film follows Spurlock and shows us the dramatic effects this lifestyle has, both physically and psychologically. Furthermore, it looks at the fast food industry's corporate influence, including how it encourages poor nutrition to increase its profit. He also goes around and interviews people on the street and their opinions towards the fast food epidemic.

At the start, Spurlock is physically above average in shape according to his doctor. Before he started the experiment, he was 185.5 lbs at 6'2 feet tall. By the end, Spurlock is 210 lbs with a 13% body mass increase.

Spurlock eats McDonalds three times a day, and he tries everything on the menu at least once over the next 30 days. Additionally, if he's offered to go supersize with his meal, he has to take it. By the end of the documentary, we learn that Spurlock has gained 24 and a half pounds in 30 days, after consuming around 5000 calories a day. During the 30 days, Spurlock experiences mood swings, sexual dysfunction and fat accumulation in the liver, which is dangerous.

The end text tells us that it took Spurlock 5 months to lose 20.1 lbs, and a further 9 months to lose the remaining 4.5 lbs

Agency:
The increasing spread of Obesity throughout America, and Spurlock wanted to investigate it. The key agency is Spurlock going on the 30-day McDonalds diet and then he goes on to document how it affects him.

Sound:
Continuous music throughout most of the documentary, quieting when people, such as Spurlock, are talking. Spurlock narrates what is going on throughout the film.

Interviews:
Various doctors, physicians and people on the street.

Narrative:
Morgan Spurlock

Producer:
Morgan Spurlock

Director:
Morgan Spurlock

Thoughts:
I think that this was an interesting documentary because it explores a key issue that's getting worse, obesity. Also, McDonalds is a very popular fast-food restaurant (and drive-through), so a lot of people will want to watch it because they'll be interested in knowing more about the food that they consume. Overall, Spurlock took a well known fact that fast-food is unhealthy and took it further to prove it in a shocking and attention-grabbing way.