This Oscar nominated documentary probes into the contemporary American food industry in which high profits are valued over producing safe and healthy products. The film treads some very familiar territory as it looks at the inhumane ways animals are farmed in bulk and the way certain seeds are genetically modified, but more often than not, the film is insightful, even utterly fascinating on occasion as it gets into the debate over transparent food labeling. The film does, however, frequently feel unfocused as it rather randomly jumps between food poisoning, the high cost of vegetables compared to fast food, the gradually fattening of chickens over the years and the list goes on. It is a bit of maudlin affair at times too with over-the-top melodramatic background music for such moments as a diabetic father sighing over how expensive broccoli is to buy for his kids (who would really want to eat it!?). The choice to conclude the documentary with a whole lot of inspirational slogans thrown on screen additionally comes off as a little awkward. For all its drawbacks, 'Food Inc.' nevertheless remains rather riveting to view. All of the interview subjects are clearly passionate about their causes. Complacent as the majority of us may well be regarding what we consume, the film provides a worthwhile look at those who care a lot and their very valid reasons why.
Review of Food, Inc.
