Review of Fast Food Nation (2006) by Ca F — 06 Nov 2008

Finally got around to seeing this flick that I had taped earlier. It reminded me of the time I considered working at Freshwater Fish, but didn't get past the information seminar. Still, I did try to visualize what it would have been like to work there. This film takes that a few steps further, exploring the "itty-bitty" details of mass-food preparation. Yuck, but ...

On the whole, it was sobering. One can really relate to when the first McDonalds came to town, and the unreality of that environment. Feeling, it's better than the boring old stuff that isn't as "exciting." For all the people caught up in that environment (like a former residence roommate), one can hope it's just a means to a better end. One has to wonder though, if there is any kind of alternative for meeting the needs of urban markets.

So while a cinematic hodge-podge, perhaps I'll get the chance to read the book, which I understand to be far superior. It is a fascinating subject.

Mind you, the remnants of the film will survive, if only to remind us of what people endure in our industrialized age. It was also ironic watching it after seeing Soylent Green recently. It's easy to imagine things that can put people off the eating of any kind of food. As well, with the Obama victory, the next wave of food production will require a great deal of thought, and it will prove interesting to see how it evolves, for the reality is surely far from perfect.