I went to see the new movie Super Size Me last night. The guy behind the doco-style film that looks at the fast food industry and its effects on the US diet, Morgan Spurlock has been getting a fair amount of print and TV time recently, so I thought I’d go along and check it out.
The basic premise is that he vows to eat nothing but McDonald’s food for 30 days. If Macca’s doesn’t sell it, he can’t eat it (luckily they do sell water). He enlists the aid of three doctors and a health clinic to monitor his health during the exercise. Read more about the film on its website.
First thing about this film is that is has a very limited release in Australia - 34 screens nationwide as opposed to over 430 for Harry Potter. I’d be very interested in how many mainstream cinemas are showing this movie in the US, since that’s the market this film is aimed at.
As far as I’m concerned, this film should be shown in all schools, just like the anti-smoking films that show the person with the tube in their throat. The message is very important and Australia should take just as much notice. We’re turning into a nation of fatties just like the US and education has to start with the kids.
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Rather limited release in the States also. A documentary aimed at a huge, huge population that is getting huge-r. This type of movie usually attracts a limited audience, unfortunately.
It’s on my list to see - absolutely and definitely. And, yes, I also think every student should watch this film, and a few (more than a few) adults.
Sorry Australians are also in the over-size, extra large category.
I agree with Nick - less exercise, easy access to snacks that are “in your face,” fast food eateries that are affordable for most everyone, passtimes aimed at sedentary rather than phyically active games.
The film is picking up a lot of solid grassroots momentum and it’s being shown in a descent number of theatres in the United States - not as much as it should be, though. It’s getting good reviews and is pretty funny, so surprisingly, I have heard of a huge number of people going to see it - perhaps because it has the words “Supersize me.” People naturally say “yes, please, I will take one,” when in fact they realized they just purchased a movie ticket, not a burger!
That’s funny, Donovan. I hadn’t heard that. Have you seen it? Besides Chris, I know of no one who has.
I spent a year in Australia fro 1992-1993 and remember commenting to friends that it was surprising there were so few obese people considering the fried foods and beer.
11 years later its all changed. Living in Bali I see plane loads of Aussies arriving every week and I tell you its shocking how the population seems to have put on weight.
I attribute this to the ’snacking culture’ and easy reach items in malls along with the use of computers and electronic games. In 1992 people weren’t sitting in front of a PC chatting they were out doing things. Young kids were playing sports now I overhear parents shopping for Playstation 2.
I think the Aussie government needs to address this as a serious health issue is building. Fast food definitely plays a part in the nation’s health.