Supersize Me

Activity
a) List the different styles of filmmaking ( this will include live action and animation etc).  How are these styles used to present information?

Various styles of filming were used throughout the making of this film, this included many interview footage from the Nutritionist, doctors, the man himself Morgan Spurlock, and more. This kind of style filmmaking has a huge impact on the audience because it shows how serious the subject matter is, it also is a reliable source because their is evidence given by the Doctors. Live action was used in some scenes and example of this was when Morgan Spurlock went to the doctors, and was sick at one point.


b) List the interviewees in the extract. Describe the mise en scene of each interview. What connotations does this create for the audience?

This entertaining documentary had many different interviews throughout, some of these were from Kelly Brownell the proffessor. He gives credibility to the film as he is trust worthy and comes across rather intelligent and important. There was also see a lot of the medical interviews observing the changes of Morgan Suprlocks diet and fitness. In all the interviews we see the mise en scene of each shot has been staged and set up on purpose, and example of this was when John Banzhaf made a point about how children these days are being brought up to like McDonald's. While the interview was running you could hear diegetic sound of the children playing in the background, this supports his argument and was done on purposely as a persuasive technique as it shows how important it really is.

c) What relationship is there between the voice over and the images? How does this affect the way that the audience interprets what Spurlock is saying?

The relationship between the voice over and the images are very powerful as there is video clips playing at the same time the voice over is. This proves Morgan Spurlocks point and it is extremely effective as there is a direct connection between what we hear and what we see.

d) What music features on the soundtrack? Which group of people is most likely to enjoy this type of music?

The soundtrack music is very sarcastic in the way that it attracts attention from the younger audience however,  it is also underlining and sends out a sarcastic message to the parents too.

e) What mode of documentary is Supersize me? Are there elements of more than one mode? 

There are two different types of modes for this entertaining documentary they are:
- Participatory mode
Emphasis on the interaction between filmmaker and the subject

- The Performative mode 
The filmmaker was engaged in this film as he shares his personal engagement and atitudes towards the subject matter.


Activity 1

1) Look at your notes from the previous worksheet. Who do you think the documentary is aimed at? Can you define the audience in terms of age and gender?

I think that this documentary was aimed at parents as a warning guide that if you continue to feed children unhealthy foods they will end up will desperately unhealthy bodies. It also shows how easy and cheap it is for them to access fast foods. However I also believe that it was targeted at young adults/ teens who are interested in this subject matter. I purely enjoyed this documentary as it was informative and entertaining.

3) Which techniques does Morgan Spurlock use to persuade the audience of his argument? Were you aware of these techniques the first time you watched the film?

Morgan Spurlock is very persuasive in the way he portrays himself through this documentary. The original footage of him in pain shows the importance of why fast food can be bad for you, especially as the doctors and nutritionists share facts that are 'shocking'.
Supersize me is a controversial film as some media and film critics argue that the techniques used by Spurlock are problematic.