Major Project: Research-Supersize Me

Major Project: Research-Supersize Me

The next documentary I looked in to as part of my ongoing research into this documentary was the well-renowned film "Supersize Me" I had watched this film before coming on board with the eh project. But after looking at what we had planned I knew it would be a good idea to re-visit it from a more critical perspective. Below are my notes from watching the documentary in regards to what . could learn from it to help with our film.

• The film starts our with relevant stock footage and a quote.
• It also starts with statistics + graphics, both of these elements are effective in setting up the story.
• The presenter talks about his memories early on. (We see photos)
• Good use of graphics!!!
• Begins with narration from the Presenter.
• The presenter explains the aims of the documentary in just a few sentences.
• Editing techniques give contributors an effective introduction (cuts between them), something I could consider for our film.
• Use of montage early on, which is a good editing technique (But it was a very simple edit, not much effort in it).
• Contributors statements are clipped and cut down to make specific points.

• The handheld camera gives the doc a simple and un professional feel but does help us focus on certain things.
• We see the interaction between the presenter and his girlfriend, humanising him.
• Vox pops feel very random
• Editing techniques (graphics and text) are used to explain “rules” and other stuff. Could be useful in our film.
• There are consistency issues between interviews, narration etc.
• Uses plenty of relevant cutaways.
• Things are well explained and we the audience are easily educated.
• When the presenter is at a low point he wakes up and talks to the camera.
• Uses single shot/angle and mostly uncut shots when precentor finishes eating (kinda works kinda doesn't).

• Shots of vomiting included - it's gross but effective.
• The presenter takes time to talk to the audience.
• A huge variety of opinions and perspectives are used in this documentary.
• Photos are used when stock footage is not available,
• There is some matching music but not a lot.
• In general, there isn't enough music in this documentary. I've said before not to underestimate sound design.
• Plenty of car shots.
• Presenter often talks about how they're feeling.
• There are some establishing shots but they're kind of randomly spread/placed.
• The narrative is pretty easy to follow (but could still use a little more narration).
• Some nice walking and talking shots.
• We have a separate interview that gets a girlfriend starts (good for Mrs Brown).
• We had thoughts from the presenters family through a phone call (also good for Mrs Brown).
• At the end of the documentary, the results are summed up nice and quickly.

Closing Thoughts

• The documentary effectively opens encloses the narrative with a good explanation of the aims and what was learned.
• Shoddy camera work.
• We didn't really care about the presenter.
• The documentary doesn't do enough to keep the audience's attention.
• The documentary was very informing and delivered the facts well.
• The documentary was well rounded and balanced due to the range of contributors it featured.
• Overall it was an effective documentary that we can learn from.

Overall Relevance Score 7/10