Using Supersize Me as a basis, identify the ways in which American So-ciety is represented, both positively and negatively. In doing so, analyse

the ways in which the producer utilises stylistic devices in order to cre-ate meaning for the audience.

Supersize Me is a Theatrical documentary which looks at varies issues of American culture in terms of it’s diet. It is presented as the viewpoint of a particular individual named Morgan Spurlock and was released in the cinema in 2004. The document-ary consists of Spurlock conducting an experiment in which he is only allowed to consume food from McDonalds. As the documentary progresses, the diet is shown to affect Morgan in a bad way and this could be seen to portray American society negatively. The purpose of the film is to show audiences the damaging affects of fast food, the problem of obesity and how some Americans live their lives. The pro-ducer utilises stylistic devices in order to create meaning for the audience, and this can also be examined.

Throughout the documentary there are many elements of American society that could be considered as negative. Americans are portrayed to be lazy and obese and this is shown through the statistics and footage of the documentary. It states that America has become the fattest nation in the world and that 1 out of 4 Americ-ans are clinically obese. The documentary also shows Americans have a high use of Taxi’s to get them to where they need to be. This portrays the view that nearly all Americans are fat and this could therefore be seen as a negative image. Another negative element of American society portrayed by the documentary is that they provide very unhealthy school meals. This may in particular alarm audiences as parents would want the best for their children so here the documentary targets this to shock the viewer and to keep them engaged, hooked and interested to watch more of the documentary. A final negative element is that the documentary conveys the American Society to only care about money and business and not the people of their community. All these elements show that the documentary portrays American society in a negative way.

However, in contrast to this some aspects of the film could be seen to portray American society in a more positive light. The documentary stated that America has a wide range and high number of existing health clubs across the country. Another positive element is that in one behavioural school the food was healthy and the staff ensured that their pupils gained the best from the food they were providing. Throughout the documentary the American public seemed willing and friendly to talk to others as this was shown through the use of vox pops. Despite previous mentions of taxis, some Americans do walk to work as traveling through New York and various other places by car is time consuming and impractical. Morgan Spur-lock’s Girlfriend is a vegan and this is portrayed in the documentary as a positive element. It conveys the message that not all Americans eat fast food and some live healthy lifestyles by their own choice. Furthermore, health care is seen to be con-sidered as a positive as throughout the documentary there are many interviews with doctors, nurses and health consultants. These are all elements which show that American society is portrayed in a positive light.

The producer utilises stylistic devices in order to create meaning for the audience. An example of where this is done is in the introduction of the documentary where

computer graphics are used to add effects to the statistics being shown and voiced on the screen. Another example is the use of music and sound effects. Songs such as “Fat bottomed girls” and “I hope you get fat” are used to suit the content and style of the documentary and for humorous purposes. Music is also used for com-ical reasons in the hospital operating room while a man is having a gastric band op-eration. This takes the seriousness away from the scene and keeps the audience entertained. A voice-over/narrator is also used in the documentary. This gives a personal feel for the audience as they are guided through what they are seeing on screen. A hand-held camera is used to make the audience feel as though they are actually there and in on the action. An example of this would be when Morgan vomits out of the window of his car and the camera zooms in on it. This focuses the audience’s attention on the events taking place and gives across the meaning that the documentary is trying to convey; that fast food is bad for you. The only time a camera on a tripod is used is for the interviews with doctors etc. ‘Actuality’ is also present throughout the documentary and this is evident when an object falls off the shelf without being set up. This unexpected and unintentional approach makes it more realistic for the audience. Editing such as straight cuts and dissolves are used in the documentary to show the passing of time and so the documentary does not drag.

In conclusion the documentary sums up all the effects of fast-food and also warns of the dangers it can cause. It is factual in its knowledge and also shows the amount of effort it takes to get back to normal after being obese. The documentary could be seen as subjective and bias however when offered the chance to defend themselves McDonalds refused. Overall, the documentary criticises American Soci-ety and portrays it negatively.