November 25, 2008
|
Every pound has a story.
As a former fat guy who still struggles to keep his slimmer figure in check, I can totally appreciate what Miles Forman and director Michael Landsberg were trying to accomplish with their surprisingly heartfelt 2005 documentary Fatboy: The Movie. To be fair, it did take me a while to warm up to Miles and his weighty dilemma, as I'm not exactly sympathetic to those who whine incessantly about the hefty situation they've ultimately put themselves in. By the end of the picture, however, I was almost cheering out loud for the guy to make a breakthrough, hoping that he would finally get his fecal matter together in order to locate the happiness he seems desperate to attain. In-between his bouts of depression and self-doubt, Landsberg has inserted some pretty shocking factoids about America's obsession with fad dieting, the consequences of going under the knife to lose weight, and how big business is sticking it in your butthole when you're attention is focused elsewhere. Of course, if you've seen Super Size Me or read Fast Food Nation, none of this information should come as a shock. What keeps you glued to the screen for the duration is Miles and his quest to improve his health, his relationships, and his life. Landsberg and crew have delivered a remarkable film which may, in fact, help those looking for a skinny beacon in this grossly overweight nation.
Recipe For Success: Miles Forman's Undiluted Courage + Landsberg's Snappy Pacing + One Sad Snapshot Of The American Way Of Life
Stay After The End Credits: One of the best scenes in the entire movie may go unseen if you bail out beforehand.
Honesty goes a long way with me.
5 Spasms:
How did you get to see this movie already? Did it play in a theater somewhere near you??? It's on my Netflix queue reading a Dec. 9th release date. I'm looking forward to this one quite a bit.
I saw this at the Ft Lauderdale film festival. I walked away inspired and with a smile on my face. One of the few doc's I've seen that had me feeling good afterwards.
el gringo: The fine folks at Indican sent me a screener a few weeks ago. They're also responsible for supplying me with a copy of Pariah, as well as The Chosen One, which should appear on this site within the next few weeks.
This film is available for rental via netflix and blockbuster 12/9/2008. It hits stores on 1/20/2008. Just an FYI to those interested.
I saw the film at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and it was not only entertaining but very informative as well! I would recommend this film to everyone, because I think all of us at one point or another have tried to shed those unwanted pounds, experiented with fad diets or contemplated surgey. Also, mad props to Miles Forman for the courage and bravery it took for him to share his trials and tribulations with a nation!
Post a Comment