In 2004, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock did what millions of Americans do every day - he ate fast food three times a day. The difference between him and us is that he took a camera along. The resulting documentary Super Size Me showed some surprising results. During the 30 days of filming, Spurlock limited his diet to whatever was on the McDonald's menu. There were a few rules: He had to try everything on the menu at some point during the month and, if asked, he had to "super-size" the meal. At the end of the month, Spurlock had gained almost 25 pounds; his cholesterol level had increased to 230, his body mass had shot up 13 percent; and, along with mood swings, he had experienced some sexual dysfunction. By day two, he was vomiting in the McDonald's parking lot. By day five, he had gained more than nine pounds and was depressed, but claimed McDonald's food alleviated his depression. On day 21, he started having heart palpitations. So what conclusion does Spurlock come up with? "The bottom line, they're a business...and by selling you unhealthy food, they make millions, and no company wants to stop doing that," he says. Super Size Me is part of the Movies Houstonians Love (Meals on Reels) series and will be introduced by Armando Palacios, owner of the popular Armando's restaurant. 7 p.m. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-639-7515 or visit www.mfah.org. $6 to $7.
Mon., March 29, 7 p.m., 2010