Film Analysis: Super Size Me

For this assignment I chose to watch the documentary Super Size Me, which entails the correlation between America’s epidemic of obesity and the fast food industry, particularly McDonald's. The protagonist of the film, Morgan Spurlock, tests his theory that the consumption of highly processed, fat-packed fast foods will send him “on the fast track to becoming an obese American” by committing himself to eating Mcdonald’s three times a day for thirty continuous days. Beyond just eating all three meals at the Golden Arches, he must also order everything on the menu at least once, Super Size his items if asked by the cashier, AND limit as much physical exercise as possible to match the typical American’s activity level, on average being a mere

In addition, he acquires assistance from a dietician and personal trainer to help guide him through his month long journey. These individuals are essential in monitoring his overall health, since the ingestion of this type of food can put him at high risk. At the beginning of the documentary, Morgan completes successful check ins with his doctors, maintaining superb cholesterol, blood, iron, and electrolyte levels, low-blood sugar, and a low triglyceride count of 43. Weighing in at 185 pounds and 11% body fat, Morgan begins eating his way through the McDonald’s menu. During his first few days, he ends up throwing up his Double Quarter Pounder burger as his body can not handle the high amounts of sugars and fats. However, once Spurlock surpasses the “three day hump,” as he calls it, his body begins to crave and rely on the intake of fast food. He becomes so addicted that when he doesn’t eat right away, he encounters mood swings and feelings of depression, while also discovering that the more he eats the more sluggish he feels physically and emotionally. Upon experiencing heart palpitations, he is advised by his doctors to stop eating the fast food, as they

For one, seeing the images of the McDonald’s food first hand and how much Morgan actually puts into his body each day gives the audience a larger picture for how bad this stuff actually is for you. The visual comparison of the variation between a small size fountain drink cup and the “super size” physically shows the viewer how only 9 teaspoons of sugar are consumed versus a whopping 48 teaspoons in the largest beverage size. Along with imagery, Spurlock successfully incorporates interviews, both direct and indirect, which aids in establishing his credibility and persuasiveness. He builds up his factual base using the Secretary of Human Health Services, Heads for the Department of Medicine at Children's Hospitals, Subway Spokesman Jared Fogle, Health Advocate Authors, Professors from the Yale Center of Eating and Weight Disorders, Surgeons, and other authoritative figures. The contribution of statistical facts, data, knowledge, and research from these acquired sources feeds the audience information that they will believe is both relevant and accurate. Morgan’s use of live footage touches base with the post-truth that the audience will experience upon viewing, as well. For instance, he shows video clips of young girls who struggle with childhood obesity as a result of not having the monetary means to afford more healthful food