That Sugar Film

That Sugar Film, released in 2014, stars even-handed Australian filmmaker Damon Gameau as he embarks on a wacky, enlightening, and occasionally frightening journey into the world of sugar. Known for its avant-garde style and inventive storytelling, That Sugar Film is an inventive documentary that combines the walk-a-mile mindset of Super Size Me with an educational tone akin to An Inconvenient Truth. This groundbreaking cinematic venture engages with its audience through humor, science-based arguments, and eye-opening real-life examples.

The film revolves around Gameau’s experiment, which replicates a standard Australian diet abundant in processed foods but low in fat and high in sugar. Despite not consuming any soft drinks, chocolates, ice-cream, or traditional junk food, Gameau limits himself to consuming only products perceived as 'healthy,' such as fruit juice, low-fat yogurts, and cereal bars. Inescapably, these food items are laden with hidden sugars. Without revealing the specific outcomes, Gameau sets his experiment period to two months, monitoring his physical and mental changes under the guidance of a team of medical professionals.

A critical aspect of That Sugar Film is its presentation of interviews and interactions with various experts and professionals in the field, including medical researchers and doctors, which aid in giving scientific validity to the perceived impacts of a high-sugar diet. Among these intriguing guest appearances, Hollywood star Hugh Jackman also makes a delightful cameo, providing both celebrity glamour and critical insights into the sugar debate.

Interestingly, the film is not just stuck within the confines of an examination room or Gameau’s kitchen. The documentary extends its inquiry globally, travelling from Aboriginal communities in Australia to the sugar-bracketed streets of USA, to highlight the devastating health impacts and widespread prevalence of sugar consumption. Such journeys deep into the stark realities of sugar's role in today's society allow for an exploration of broader considerations such as issues of socioeconomic standing, access to healthier food alternatives, and the politics surrounding food industries.

Another engaging part of That Sugar Film is the clever use of special effects and animations, which nail the fun, lighthearted approach Gameau takes towards disseminating information. These moments are light, effectively engaging, and act as breathers from the hard-hitting facts and figures, serving the overall narrative in a balanced way. Especially noteworthy are some innovative musical sequences that add a distinct flair to the film, with one catchy tune even revolving around the life journey of a sugar molecule!

However, That Sugar Film is not simply a one-note indictment of sugar. Backed by solid, down-to-earth research, the film appreciates that sugar in moderation, particularly in its natural forms, is not the villain. Instead, the focus is placed on the hidden sugars present in processed foods, many of which are marketed as healthy. The film drives home an understanding of industry manipulation and the disturbing effects sugar-loaded products can have on our bodies.

Consequently, That Sugar Film is more than just an enlightening documentary; it’s a call to action. Gameau doesn’t preach an extreme sugar-free lifestyle, nor does he fictionalize data to scare his audience. Instead, he nudges viewers to become more mindful consumers, to question nutritional information, to refuse to be swayed by advertising blindfolds, and to remain inquisitive about what goes into their bodies.

The film offers an insightful journey into the hidden world of sugar, presenting an alarming view of its effects on human health while also providing rational and practical solutions for reducing our intake. It creates a bridge between scientific knowledge and public awareness and prompts viewers to consider their own relationships with food. Hugh Jackman's cameo, Gameau's warm and relatable presentation style, the clever use of rich visual storytelling elements, and the compelling twist on an experiment-based narrative make That Sugar Film an engaging watch. It’s a thought-provoking documentary that not only sparks awareness but also urges changes in individual and collective behaviour towards sugar consumption. Remember, the film’s mission is not to demonise sugar but to expose its covert domination in our daily diets. A spoonful of sugar might help the medicine go down, but as That Sugar Film starkly points out, too many spoonfuls might just be why we need the medicine in the first place.