1. Using Supersize Me as a basis, identify the ways in which American
Society is represented, both positively and negatively. In doing so,

2. analyse the ways in which the producer utilises stylistic devices in
order to create 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
documentary 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 producer 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
Americans 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
Spurlock‟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 considered 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

3. 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
comical reasons in the hospital operating room while a man is having a gastric
band operation. 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
Society and portrays it negatively.