The controversy with Super Size Me is multifaceted, revolving around both the integrity of its central experiment and the later revelations about its creator, Morgan Spurlock. While the film was a major cultural moment in 2004, its legacy has become irreparably complicated over time.
Methodological Flaws in the Experiment
One of the most persistent criticisms against Super Size Me centers on the lack of scientific rigor in its experimental design. Critics argue that the film was a heavily sensationalized piece of entertainment, not a scientific study, and that Spurlock purposefully exaggerated his experiment's conditions for dramatic effect.
The Calorie Imbalance and Lack of Controls
Spurlock's daily calorie intake averaged around 5,000 calories, which is well above what is needed for a healthy adult. This massive overconsumption, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, would cause rapid weight gain and health deterioration regardless of the food source. Critics suggest the results were therefore attributable to extreme excess rather than the specific nature of McDonald's food. Furthermore, a proper scientific experiment would involve a larger sample size and a control group, neither of which Spurlock used.
Missing the Larger Picture
Some critics felt the documentary fixated too narrowly on McDonald's and Spurlock's personal experience, ignoring the broader socio-economic factors that contribute to the obesity epidemic. The documentary largely overlooks systemic issues like food deserts and predatory marketing practices that disproportionately affect low-income communities. The focus remained on Spurlock's personal suffering, distracting from a more nuanced analysis of the fast-food industry's impact.
The Damaging Revelation of Alcoholism
In 2017, Morgan Spurlock published a blog post confessing to a history of sexual misconduct, infidelity, and alcoholism, including during the production of Super Size Me. This admission was particularly damaging to the documentary's credibility for several key reasons.
Undisclosed Health Factors
In the film, doctors are shown expressing concern about Spurlock's deteriorating liver health. Spurlock's confession revealed that he was a heavy drinker during this period, an undisclosed and critical piece of information. This detail calls into question the film's premise that his liver damage was solely caused by the McDonald's diet. Many critics now believe his alcoholism may have been a significant contributing factor, meaning the film was intentionally deceptive. Spurlock's lie allowed viewers to incorrectly attribute all his health issues to fast food consumption.
Eroding Trust
By concealing his alcoholism, Spurlock undermined the very message of journalistic integrity his documentary was supposed to embody. His failure to disclose such a crucial health factor, especially when his film positions him as a reliable narrator, irrevocably damaged his credibility with both audiences and the filmmaking community. This revelation painted him as a showman who was willing to deceive his audience to achieve a desired outcome.
Spurlock's Sexual Misconduct Admission
Alongside his alcoholism, Spurlock's 2017 confession included admissions of sexual harassment and misconduct. In a blog post titled "I am Part of the Problem," he detailed a history of infidelity and an out-of-court settlement paid to a former employee who accused him of using inappropriate nicknames.
Career Consequences
This public admission had immediate and severe consequences for Spurlock's career. YouTube Red, which had planned to distribute his sequel, Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!, promptly dropped the film. The sequel was also pulled from the Sundance Film Festival. Spurlock himself stepped down from his production company, Warrior Poets, and effectively ended his public career.
The Impact on the Documentary's Message
The admission retroactively cast a dark shadow over all of Spurlock's work, including the original Super Size Me. For many, the revelations about his behavior made it difficult to view his documentaries without questioning his personal ethics and integrity. The serious nature of his personal conduct issues has become intertwined with any discussion of the film, making it impossible to separate the filmmaker from the work.
Super Size Me Controversy: A Comparison Table
| Aspect | Scientific Criticism | Ethical Controversy | Impact on Credibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Lack of control group and excessive calorie consumption over the course of the experiment. | Spurlock’s undisclosed alcoholism and health dishonesty. | Directly undermines the film's purported scientific findings. |
| Source of Harm | Weight gain and health issues could be attributed to overeating and sedentary behavior, not just McDonald's food. | Liver damage could have been primarily caused by alcohol, not just fast food. | Makes the film’s conclusion appear intentionally deceptive. |
| Wider Context | Failed to explore systemic issues like food deserts and advertising practices in depth. | Sexual misconduct revelations overshadowed the film's original social critique. | Shifts focus from corporate accountability to Spurlock's personal failures. |
The Complicated Legacy of Super Size Me
Despite the significant controversies, it's important to acknowledge the film's cultural impact. After its release, McDonald's did phase out its "Super Size" option and began promoting healthier menu items. While the company denied the film's influence, the changes occurred in close proximity to the documentary's release. The film undeniably brought the topic of fast food and obesity into the national conversation. However, its flawed methods and Spurlock's personal failings mean that it should be viewed as a piece of sensationalized entertainment rather than a serious scientific inquiry. The ultimate takeaway is that while the film prompted important conversations, its execution and its creator's actions cast a long and problematic shadow over its achievements. The Guardian's look at the film's legacy provides further insight.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Super Size Me is a cautionary tale about the intersection of media, personal ethics, and science. The film's initial acclaim has been severely diminished by revelations concerning its methodological integrity and its creator's personal conduct. Spurlock's undisclosed alcoholism cast significant doubt on the experiment's findings regarding his health deterioration, particularly his liver damage. Furthermore, his later confession of sexual misconduct permanently tainted his public image and, by extension, the documentary itself. While the film successfully provoked public debate about the fast-food industry, its legacy is now defined as much by its flaws and the problematic actions of its director as by its initial impact.
