The documentary Supersize Me follows filmmaker Morgan Spurlock as he eats only McDonald's food for 30 days. It documents the effects this has on his physical and mental health, including gaining weight and feeling depressed without McDonald's. The film uses interviews, narration from Spurlock, and chronicles each day to examine the links between fast food, obesity, and addiction.

1. Deemple Morar

2. Supersize Me was produced by Morgan Spurlock. He does a 30 day
period where he consumes McDonald’s for breakfast, lunch and
dinner. The purpose of this documentary was to show the effects
eating fast food in a supersize form effects the human body
physically and psychologically as Morgan becomes unhappy when he
doesn’t consume McDonald’s.
Supersize me is a mixed documentary as it includes interviews and the
narrator (Morgan Spurlock) talks to the camera. However, it also linear
follows a chorological order, as it follows a day to day pattern. It is also
self reflexive as the narrator directly speaks to the camera.

3. Throughout this documentary there was many themes present.
Firstly, the link between fast food and obesity, this was the main
theme shown throughout the documentary which focuses on Morgan
Spurlock’s 30 day challenge. Another theme that was present was
personal responsibility vs cooperate responsibility, this
responsibility focused on the individual being responsible for what
they ate and McDonald’s being responsible for preparing and serving
the food. There was also a theme of addiction towards fast food as
Morgan Spurlock would feel unhappy if he hadn’t consumed
McDonalds however, after he had consumed his mood would change
instantly and he would feel better about himself.

4. Morgan Spurlock takes control of narrating the documentary
and ensures that it is followed in a chronological order so
that the documentary flows. He does this off screen and in a
quick pace so the documentary is faster which allows the
information to get across to the audience. Moreover, the
documentary focuses on one topic and not multiple ones
which ensures the audience doesn’t get confused with what
the documentary is trying to get across. Furthermore, it is
single stranded as it is based on one topic, and linear as it
follows a chronological order.

5. Throughout this documentary there are many types of shots shown throughout
the documentary such as mid shots, two shots, and close ups. The mid shot
between the interviewer (Morgan Spurlock) and interviewee could have
resemblance to the documentary as this shows how their health and weight is
illustrated which could have links to their personal identity which the audience
may feel like that they can relate to the documentary. Moreover, the use of close
ups could illustrate how fast food can have significant effects on your health and
the dangers is poses to the human body. Furthermore, two shots could have been
used to show the difference between the weight and health of the two people so
people can compare and contrast how fast food effects an individual on a
personal level.
Close up Mid shot
Two shot of the
interviewer and
interviewee

6. Two Shot Establishing Shot
Two Shot Medium Close Up

7. The mise-en-scene used throughout this documentary helps reinforce different topics/themes.
For example: the medical experts code of attire is smart clothing with a white jacket which
could reinforce the importance and seriousness of health. This also shows the dangers
McDonald’s has on the individual as Spurlock’s weight has to constantly be tracked and
recorded. This could link to Blumler and Katz personal identity as individuals can relate
themselves to what position they associate themselves with. Another use of mise-en-scence is
that imagery of McDonald's fast food constantly reinforced throughout. This could have
relevance as it relates to the theme of fast food and obesity. Additionally, there is no
recognition of a target audience which could imply that the documentary is targeted towards
every group in America. Furthermore, the documentary is set in McDonald’s which is recognised
by a large audience and may have been used as a wider audience can acknowledge and travel
to the setting to purchase the food. In addition, the props that are used such as McDonald's
packaging, cups and happy meal boxes reinforce brand identity which is the main focus of the
documentary. This could link to Propp theory (hero and villain) as McDonald’s are the villain by
providing and marketing the food whilst the narrator is the hero.
Medical expert
Fast Food v
obesity

8. The narration of the documentary is narrated by Morgan Spurlock
from behind and in front of the camera. The non-diegetic
background music is heavily based on fast food such as the
‘McDonald’ theme song’ that is sang by children. This is used in
the opening of the documentary. Moreover, the use of non-
diegetic classical music juxtaposes with the seriousness of the
operation as this is something that needs to be taken of seriously
and effectively however, this could symbolise the mood of the
operation and how the medical experts are feeling as the medical
experts have to operate on the issue more as health and weight
has became a major issue within America. Additionally, the use of
fast pace music could reinforce that Fast Food needs to be served
fast which could symbolise the quick process that fast food is
destroying the human body and has significance effects on health
and weight. Furthermore, the use of vox pops shows how
influential the public opinions are within the documentary which
is used throughout the documentary.

9. Throughout the documentary the use of on screen text (title
sequence) is used to allow the audience to be aware of the role that
individual has on the documentary which is a code and convention of
documentaries. Another form of editing is montage editing which is
used to portray information towards the audience rather than taking
up a period of time to narrate the information. This takes up less
time and is more beneficial when making the documentary. In
addition, cutaways are used to change shots between different scenes
which was illustrated throughout this documentary.
Montage Editing
On screen text
(Title Sequence)

10. Archive material helps within this documentary as it allows
it to act as evidence to back up the point made throughout
the 30 day trial. Additionally, many statistics and facts were
made throughout the duration of the documentary such as
‘McDonald’s spend $1.4 billion on food’ in America alone.
These statistics act as further evidence which can be found
in newspapers articles and interviews between people.
Furthermore, news reports in the newspaper was on the
subject matter (of fast food) which could imply that fast
food has become a major issue within America which
illustrates it’s a major problem.

11. Graphics allow the audience to feel as if they can relate to the illustrations that
they are being shown. It allows the documentary to feel more
friendlier/comfortable towards the audience which they may find more
entertaining to consume. For example the use of graphics used in this documentary
illustrates the obesity in America. It shows a map of America and represents areas
of America that have high obesity levels. This could show how health and weight
can be effected. Furthermore, at the end of the documentary credits were given to
those who had taken part in the documentary which shows their role and
significance within the documentary.
Example: