Would You Like a Side of Fries With That?

This is my essay #2 put into an imovie about fast food and its effects on the human body.

Strange World of Dr. Strangelove

Humor

At first glance Dr. Strangelove is just an old-fashioned comedy but if you look closer there is a little more to it. I didn’t agree with the authors sense of humor. Richardson writes about the humor, “one feels that those responsible for the film have settled for rather worn gags and bits of political sniping that have become just too fashionable and easily accepted to have a place alongside the work's better moments” (Richardson 251). Although I didn’t agree with the author’s opinion, I do think there were some cheesy moments to the film.

Mise en Scene

From the very first scene the personality of each character is created through the lighting, their costumes and appearances. Lionel Mandrake is shown as a clean cut Captain that is in a very well lit area in which you can see all of his features. Then there is General Jack Ripper who is sitting in a dark room with a lit cigar, the lighting and cigar set the mood. This makes Ripper seem somewhat mysterious. These two characters let you see the good, which is Captain mandrake and the evil which is General Ripper.

This scene captures General Ripper smoking a cigar while talking to Mandrake. You judge, do you think General Ripper is evil?

A good use of props is when machine fire rips through Ripper's office, shattering his window, and knocking down his fluorescent lighting. Ripper runs to the window and shouts: "Two can play at that game, soldier!...That's nice shooting soldier!" Then, he takes his own machine gun from a golf bag in his closet, sweeps his desk clear with the gun barrel, and mounts the gun on his desk, asking Mandrake to help feed the ammunition belt of cartridges, taken from the golf bag, into the machine. This is a good use of props because it is unexpected for him to have a machine gun in golf bag. Also, in the background there is a poster that says 'Peace is our Profession' in the middle of a shoot out.

Irony

The War Room is another room that has this irony to it. The table was set to look like a poker table to seem like everyone in the war room was playing a game and holding their best cards close to their chest. In his article, "Two of the Maddest Scientist" Stillman says that Kubrick wanted a setup where, " the president, the generals and the Russian ambassador playing a game of poker for the fate of the world” (Stillman 494). Another ironic part is when President Merkin Muffley yelled, “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the war room” to Turgidson and Ambassador de Sadesky. The war room also contained the “Big Map,” this map was essentially a map focused around Russia and the United States. The rest of the countries on the map were small and considered insignificant. This showed that everyone else at the time was being overlooked and how much attention and tension was between the US and Russia at this time. In his article "Strangelove and the Silence," Richardson describes the lighting in the war room by saying, “the use of light and shadow in the 'War Room' so that it seems an endless subterranean world where footfalls echo ominously” (Richardson 252).

This shows the map in the 'war room' and how Russia and the US are magnified making the other countries look insignificant.

Dr. Strangelove

The character that really stood out to me was Dr. Strangelove himself. He had the hand of his own which happened to act like a Nazi. Kubrick one day suggested that Ed Sikov wear a black glove on one hand only. In his article, "Two of the Maddest Scientist" Stillaman says, once the glove was on, Sikov looked down at his hand later he said, “Hey, that’s a storm-trooper’s arm. So instead of leaving it there looking malignant I gave the arm a life of its own. That arm hated the rest of the body for having made a compromise” (Stillman 494). I find that this really adds some sort of comedy to a part of the movie where everyone has come to the conclusion that it will be the end of the world because the “doomsday machine” is about to go off. This lightens the mood so it is not so down and devastating since the world is about to end.

Here Dr. Strangelove's hand is a mind of it's own which happens to be a Nazi pose. The black glove gives him a sense of power.

Works Cited

Kubrick, Stanley, dir. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

1964. Columbia Pictures, 2009.

Stillman, Grant, “Two of the MaDdest Scientists.” Film History. 20 (2008): 487-500.

Richardson, Jack. "Strangelove and the Silence." The Hudson Riview. 17.2 (1964): 250-255.

Pan's Labyrinth Critique

Pan’s Labyrinth Summary

Pan’s Labyrinth is a fantasy drama that is set in the Spanish Civil War and details the strange mystical journeys of an imaginative young girl who may or may not be the mythical princess of an underground kingdom. Her mother, Carmen, has recently remarried to an army captain, Vidal, and is soon set to give birth to Vidal’s first son. Ofelia is forced to entertain herself as her mom and stepfather settle into their new home, an old mill house that is set in the Spanish countryside. As Ofelia’s mother is bed ridden due to her complicated pregnancy, Ofelia’s new stepfather is determined to fulfill the orders of General Francisco Franco to crush a nearby guerilla uprising. Ofelia soon ventures into an elaborate stone labyrinth and finds a mythical faun, Pan. Pan convinces Ofelia that she is the lost princess of legend and that in order to return to her underground home she must complete a three life threatening tasks. Ofelia sets out to reclaim her kingdom and return to her father while Vidal’s housekeeper Mercedes and doctor plot secretly on the surface to keep the revolution alive.

Compositional Modes of Film Making in Pan’s Labyrinth

The director uses mise en scène in Pan’s Labyrinth in many ways. One of the best examples is Captain Vidal’s room/ office. The lighting is dingy and dark with a golden light shining through on the dark wooden furniture with ironic happy music playing in the background. The room is also cluttered with many army and war supplies showing that he is a high-ranking official in the army. The room shows Vidal’s obsession with order and neatness and his strive for a “clean Spain”. At a dinner party the captain announces to his guests: “I want my son to be born in a new clean Spain” (Smith 6). Smith goes onto say in his article Pan’s Labyrinth, “The obsessive abjection of the fantasy world might be read as del Toro’s critique of the equally obsessive hygiene of the real-life realm of Fascism”(Smith 8). This being that Ofelia’s snow white skin is covered in slime and mud and her dress is also caked with layers of grit and grime. Another compositional mode used in the movie is cinematography. One of the best examples is at the very beginning and very end of the movie. “As time runs backwards, a trickle of ruby-red blood retreats into the nostril of a white- faced, black haired Ofelia… Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro’s camera, already restlessly mobile, plunges into her eye and the first fantasy sequence” (Smith 4). In another scene Ofelia is telling her unborn brother the story of a miraculous flower that blooms every morning. In a single, extraordinary shot del Toro tilts down to inside the mother’s stomach, where we then see a golden fetus listening. The camera then captures the fantastic blossom on top a mountain of thorns (Smith 6).

Ofelia in her muddy cake filled dress after one of her missions to become a princess.

Similarities to Alice in Wonderland

Throughout Pan’s Labyrinth there are many similarities between it and Alice and Wonderland. By stepping into her imaginary world, Ofelia is escaping lies, death, and pain just like Alice was trying to do while escaping her marriage. In her article Alice’s Little Sister: Exploring Pan’s Labyrinth, Edwards says, “… this world seems to value energy and action and extols rebellion, disobedience and freedom of choice (Edwards 142). Ofelia is similar to Alice when she disobeys her mother by destroying her new dress while she was hunting the toad and also by ignoring the fairies and choosing a different door to unlock just like Alice did. Captain Vidal is also like a human version of the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. Vidal’s obsession with his pocket watch, time, and organization are mirror images of the white rabbits actions. The Mad Hatter’s lavish tea party is almost a replica of the Pale Man’s dinner in front of the scorching fireplace. The elongated table that stretches over a red and white checkered floor is reminiscent of the tea party scene in Alice in Wonderland. Furthermore, the small imaginary doors that Ofelia drew out of chalk are very similar to the small doors that Alice had to climb through. Ofelia and Alice are very similar in character and personality, almost like the same spirits just living in two different times.

Ofelia, as she walks into the Pale Man's underworld. Notice the feel and lighting are similar to those in Alice in Wonderland.

The tea party table in Alice in Wonderland is very similar to the tables in Pan's Labyrinth with the Pale Man and the Captain with his guest at the dinner party.

Would You Like a Side of Fries With That?

In The United States, fast food is becoming an epidemic, not only affecting our children but also affecting us as adults. Recently, a significant amount of consumers, about 41 percent, are claiming that their ideas of places offering “fast food” has expanded recently to include fast casual restaurants such as Panera Bread and also full service restaurants offering carryout and curbside services such as Applebee’s (Ingram 1). Not only does fast food cause obesity and weight gain, but it can also cause many other diseases and health issues. When we think of health issues, we think of adults, but these greasy foods are also having a huge effect on young children. It is obvious why most Americans eat fast food, because it is quick and easy. One college student was quoted as saying, “Fast food marketing makes it very accessible and if several students combine to order fast food then it becomes an even cheaper option,” said Hannah Cooper a student at the University of Leicester (Cooper 33). Furthermore, America is not the only country with this fast growing epidemic; in Nigeria it is quickly becoming a part of their everyday life and culture. Despite fast foods convenience and quickness, it is one of The United States biggest and fastest growing epidemics that needs to be overseen and reprimanded.

Not only is it proven to cause obesity in adults, but also in recent research it is found to cause asthma, diabetes, immunity deficiency and high blood pressure (Baxamusa 1). Fast foods are high in calories, but they are also high in fats, saturated fat, sugar and salt. Many children develop type 2 diabetes that would normally only affect our parents or grandparents. The body fails to produce the insulin that controls the levels of sugar and metabolism. The excess amount of salt leads to high blood pressure not only in children, but also in adults. Having high blood pressure leads to ruptures and cracks in the blood vessel walls. Children then become anemic because they do not get the required vitamins and iron supplements necessary for their growth. Children thus become tired and lethargic easily. Veggies and fruits become almost unheard of in these children’s lives and diets. This lack of veggies and fruits causes a deficiency in macro and micro nutrient supplements. This decreases the immunity and children then become susceptible to various diseases and ailments. A deficiency in calcium also causes teeth, nails and bones to become brittle. There have been cases know where the added preservatives and coloring agents used in fast food can cause cancer in children. But the most important disease we should be concerned about is obesity, not only in our children but also adults. Fast food obesity is the root cause for major diseases that can develop in children. According to research, “15-20 % of American children in the age group of 12-18 years are overweight” (Baxamusa 1).

In one study done the nutrient quality was assessed of fast food meals marketed to younger children, these can also be known as kids meals. This study was primarily assessed by using criteria from the National School Lunch Program. The results were that three percent of kids meals met all National School Lunch Program criteria. Those fast food restaurants that met the standards usually offered a side of fruit and milk. The conclusion of the study was that meals that met the NSLP standards are uncommon and are lower in energy density (O’Donnell et al. 1388-95).

15-20 % of American children in the age group of 12-18 years are overweight

Today it is not all about taste but quickness efficiency and convenience are the main requests. As Darren Tristano, EVP at the Chicago- based consultancy explains:

As Americans continue to trade down from full-service concepts, more restaurants are competing for the ‘fast food/ food fast’ customer…Both quick-service and fast-casual restaurants are borrowing elements from the other to drive traffic. This represents a host of challenges to operators rethinking their brands. Understanding consumers’ changing perceptions of fast food, as well as competitors’ responses, will be central to success. (Ingram 1)

Nearly half of consumers claim that they eat at a fast food restaurant at least once a week. One out of four consumers said that they have increased their visit to a fast food restaurant in the past year. Call ahead ordering for pickup, take out stations, and curbside service interest 40 percent, 37 percent, and 31 percent of consumers (2). A survey was carried out at the University of Leicester by a student named Hannah Cooper; and found that students were more likely to consume fast food after leaving home and having to care for themselves even though they knew about the links to fast food and obesity. The main reasons when asked why they ate fast food were convenience, peer pressure, budget and just plain liking it. The survey showed that pizza was the favorite food of choice not followed far by french fries. “Students might be tired and not feel like cooking,” says Hannah about other students consuming fast food (Cooper 33). She goes onto say, “At home their parents probably provide their meals. They come to [college] and have to start managing and budgeting for themselves” (33). An obvious advantage to fast food is that it saves time. After work or classes a pizza or burger sound heavenly and making dinner goes out the door (Bose 1). Overall the student interviewed knew that what they were eating was not the best choice but that knowledge was not strong enough to override their lifestyle (Cooper 33).

According to McDonalds registered dietitian, healthy eating at McDonalds is not an oxymoron. Cindy Goody, U.S. director of nutrition for McDonalds, claims that McDonald’s offers a wide range of balanced choices on their menu than ever before. She goes onto say that, “The real deal on nutrition at McDonald’s is that all food fits into a healthy, active lifestyle… it is the consumer’s responsibility to make choices from a varied menu” (Rindfleisch 1-2). Cindy Goody and McDonald’s have focused more on fruit with 100 percent fruit juices, apple dippers, fruit yogurt parfaits and salads with fruit in them. McDonalds has reduced the amount of calories in kids meals by almost half, Goody claims. “We’re always looking for products and ways to make sure our food fits into a balanced diet,” Goody said. “We’re aware and engaged in lowering sodium” (1). Fast food restaurants are not required to evaluate their food, but McDonald’s has provided nutrition facts for over 35 years. You can even pick up a broacher at any McDonald’s that shows nutrition facts on it. In the next couple of years all restaurant chains with over 20 locations will be required to post nutrition information on menu boards; this is because of rules in the recently passes federal health care law. “That information will be very visible, and that could have an impact on people making healthier choices,” says Goody (Rindfleisch 1).

Cindy Goody McDonald's nutritionist:
"The real deal on nutrition at McDonald's is that all food fits into a healthy, active lifestyle..." she said. "It is the customer's responsibility to make choices from a varied menu", she added.

Not only is fast food one of the fastest growing businesses in the United States it is also evolving among Nigerian society. The convenience, availability and quickness appeal to Nigerians because of the demands of their jobs. The drawback to getting hooked on this fast food culture is the slow disappearance of the country’s cooking culture. This includes cooking with spices and preparing meals in unique ways only know to Nigerian natives. This problem is so bad that some high profile marriages have diminished resulting from the failure of wives to cook traditional African meals (This Day 1). The time in a kitchen can get overwhelming and tiresome. After going to the supermarket and coming home to peel the produce for the dish it almost doesn’t seem worth it and fast food becomes the more convenient choice (Bose 1). The negative nutritional value and health problems are often times overlooked by most youths and members of the middle class, who view the fast food culture as a status symbol. Not only are the health problems caused by fast food in The United States, but they can also pose problems in Nigeria like cancer and obesity. These fast food restaurants in Nigeria are making an effort to fix these problems by serving traditional African cuisine and reducing the cholesterol level of their snacks (This Day 1).

Fast food is not only popular in the United States but also around the world. This is a picture of a McDonald's in Nigeria. The convenience, availability and quickness appeal to Nigerians because of the demands of their jobs.

Our cultures’ troubles with weight and obesity do not only stem from fast food, it also has to do with our exercise habits. America is in the worst shape ever. Overall, the percentage of obese and overweight Americans has reached a high of 67 percent. In the last 35 years adolescent obesity has risen from 5 percent to 18 percent, according to the Institute of Medicine (Bregel 1). In Tennessee doctors are diagnosing children under 10 with diseases rarely ever seen in youth, like Type 2 diabetes all the way to hypertension. One of the problems in our convenience-centered culture is that we drive everywhere today instead of walking like our ancestors did. We then sit at a desk all day and on the drive home stop at a fast food joint for a quick dinner so we can make it home in time to watch our favorite TV show. “Changing the shape of America will take far more than focusing solely on individuals’ willpower,” said Dr. Bilderback. He goes onto say, “Right now the environment makes it easy to be overweight or obese, and we’re always going to choose easy. That’s human nature” (2). Policymakers, health advocates and school officials are trying to figure out how to stop this unhealthy epidemic in America; but while still letting customers’ choose freely without adding to the overwhelming number of children with unhealthy weight.

The difficulty of changing fixed eating habits should not be overlooked experts say. America will have to learn how to eat for nutrition not for connivance and comfort. Dr Heath states that, “You have to put it in a context of how we live and why do we live the way we do,” he says. “The issue then is how do you dig yourself out of this hole, as a culture?” (2). Some people look at taking care of their body as a luxury and not a necessity. In today’s society sugar and fat laden foods are cheap and accessible. Dr. Bilderback of Step ONE concludes that, “ Our bodies crave sugar and fat. It’s built into our DNA….It doesn’t matter what your internal strength is. Eventually if it’s around you constantly, you’re gonna cave in” (3). Regardless of the barriers around healthy living, you can make a choice today that can begin to turn around the years of unhealthy eating habits that America has adopted (Bregel 5).

Time saving is not the only thing that’s drawing customers in to fast food restaurants; it is also the cost savings. For instance, if you live alone it is probably cheaper to go to Wendy’s and get 2 double bacon cheeseburgers for a dollar each instead of going to the grocery store and cooking at home. Some fast food does raise health concerns but if you look at the menu close enough there are some healthier choices. Salads are always a healthier choice. If you are going to get a meal that has bread on it, try to opt for wheat or whole grain bread. If you have a choice between fried or broiled take the broiled option, it doesn’t involved as much grease. Avoid drinking sodas or milkshakes; instead get a juice, water or even a diet soda. Don’t forget if you do not want a certain unhealthy ingredient on your meal don’t be afraid ask them to leave it off all together (Bose 1).

Now that we know the problems that fast food is imposing not only on America but also on different parts of the world, we need to find a solution. We could start by placing healthier foods in our schools such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Only 58 percent of schools offer fresh fruits or vegetables, and only 7 of them meet all of the nutritional standards (Reiley 4E). While ordering fast food you can cut down the calories by following some of these guidelines: order a single cheeseburger instead of a double, ask for less cheese on your pizza and use low fat topping like onions and mushrooms, avoid anything that is cream based, and choose juices over sodas (Baxamusa 2). America could also impose a fast food tax to reduce the amount that people are consuming and to prevent obesity among the population. California has already imposed a fast food tax on all fast food products (This Day 2). This is just a beginning for the many solutions that could be anticipated.

In conclusion, America is in the worst shape it has ever been in. Fast foods convenience and quickness is leading America to a fast food epidemic that we need to control fast before it spirals out of control. With nearly half of consumers claiming that they eat at a fast food restaurant at least once a week, children and adults need to watch their fast food intake. If America keeps eating fast food at these extraordinary rates the obesity and other health issues will only get worse with time. If eaten in moderation and very infrequently fast food cannot be so bad for you, it is only when you eat it out of moderation that it become hazardous to your health. So, next time you have that craving for a cheeseburger just make it a single or opt for a salad instead.