Super Size Me

Introduction

Director - Morgan Spurlock

Producer - Morgan Spurlock

Writer - Morgan Spurlock

Starring - Morgan Spurlock

Music - Steve Horowitz

Cinematography - Scott Ambrozy

Editing - Stela Georgieva

Studio - The Con, LLC

Distributor - Roadside Attractions (USA)

Runtime - 100 Minutes

Country - United States

Language - English

Budget - $65,000

Gross - $22.2 Million

Super Size Me is a 2004 American documentary film directed by Morgan Spurlock. The film follows Spurlock as he eats only McDonald's food for 30 days in an attempt to explore the fast food industry's influence on American society and the health consequences of consuming fast food.

Plot

Spurlock sets out to eat only McDonald's food for 30 days, during which time he must consume every item on the McDonald's menu at least once. He documents his experience and tracks the effects of his diet on his physical and mental health.

Throughout the 30-day period, Spurlock experiences a range of health problems, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood swings. He also interviews a number of experts, including doctors, nutritionists, and fast food industry insiders, to gain insight into the impact of fast food on American society.

Production

Spurlock conceived of the idea for Super Size Me after hearing about two teenage girls who were suing McDonald's, claiming that the company's food had contributed to their obesity. The film was shot on a budget of $65,000 over a period of 30 days.

Reception

Super Size Me was a commercial and critical success, grossing $22.2 million at the box office and receiving numerous awards and nominations. The film was praised for its thought-provoking exploration of the fast food industry and its impact on American society.

Legacy

Super Size Me has had a lasting impact on the fast food industry, leading to changes in the way that fast food chains market their products and increased awareness of the health consequences of consuming fast food. The film has also inspired numerous other documentaries and works of journalism exploring similar themes.

Criticisms

Super Size Me has faced some criticism from individuals within the fast food industry who argue that the film exaggerates the health risks associated with consuming fast food. Critics have also pointed out that Spurlock's extreme experiment of consuming only McDonald's food for 30 days does not accurately represent the typical diet of most Americans.

In response to these criticisms, Spurlock has argued that the purpose of the film was not to demonize the fast food industry, but rather to spark a conversation about the impact of fast food on American society and to encourage individuals to make healthier choices.

Sequel

In 2017, Spurlock released a sequel to Super Size Me entitled Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!. In the film, Spurlock investigates the chicken industry and the marketing tactics used by fast food chains to promote their products.

In popular culture

Super Size Me has been referenced and parodied in numerous television shows, films, and other works of popular culture. The film's title has even entered into the lexicon as a verb, with "to super size" meaning to upgrade or increase the size of a fast food order.

Awards and nominations

Super Size Me was nominated for numerous awards and won several, including:

Sundance Film Festival - Special Jury Prize for Documentary (2004) Edinburgh International Film Festival - Audience Award for Best Documentary (2004) Writers Guild of America - Best Documentary Screenplay (2004)

See also

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser Food, Inc. by Robert Kenner That Sugar Film by Damon Gameau