Super Size Me Scene Analysis

Critical Quote - “Filmmakers are not creating true documentaries but partisan propaganda.” - Amber Day

The 1st Phone Call - 1:23:51● Spurlock attempts to phone Jim Cantalupo, the CEO

of McDonald’s● On his 1st and 3rd attempt he is put through to the

media line and denied interaction with Cantalupo● A hand-held camera is used to show his progressive

frustration with the phone lines● On his 3rd attempt the camera slowly zooms into his

face as he is once again denied an interview● Interestingly Spurlock’s response to the phone calls

is not filmed, cutting away once the phone operator has finished speaking - similar to the bank scene in Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine when he asks “Do you think it’s a little dangerous handing out guns in a bank?”

● The audience could be positioned to view the company in a specific light, befitting of Spurlock’s argument. Not allowing a true reflection of the events.

● Cuts to a family standing outside of the white house, where they are unable to pledge their allegiance to the Flag – Yet they can pledge their allegiance to McDonalds

● Non-diegetic music “I hope you got fat!” ● Spurlock can be heard behind the camera suggesting

the performative nature of this documentary - additionally the family seems to have a range of age groups ranging from an elderly woman to a young child. Spurlock might have selected this specific family to evoke an emotional response from audiences as it shows the inescapable nature of McDonald’s

● Fades to a line of McDonald’s Happy Meal toys in front of the White House - this could be mocking the family or America in general as the fast food chains dominates their lives as referenced in the exposition of the film