That Sugar Film

Plot

The film follows Gameau's experiment on himself, changing to a health-conscious diet low in fat but high in sugar, equivalent to forty teaspoons of sugar per day. As a result, Gameau gained weight, grew lethargic, and developed fatty liver disease.

Interviews with experts attribute this change to the high level of sugar he is ingesting, and in particular suggest that fructose may be the main culprit. It is suggested that artificial sweeteners may be no better.

Still, he introduces viewers to the "bliss point". A term coined in the 1960's which applies here to the amount of sugar you can add to a food to make it optimally desirable. Adding more sugar beyond the "bliss point" leads to significant drop in desirability.

Following the experiment, he returned to his previous diet, and the ill effects are largely and quickly reversed.

Cast

As well as Gameau in the lead, the cast includes Hugh Jackman, Stephen Fry, Isabel Lucas, and Brenton Thwaites. Gary Taubes, Michael Moss and Dr Kimber Stanhope gave interviews which are included, and Depeche Mode, Peter Gabriel and Florence and the Machine feature on the soundtrack.

Reception

American reviews for the film were generally positive. According to a review by The New York Times, the "breezy blend of computer imagery, musical numbers, sketches and offbeat field trips" made "the nutrition lessons easy to digest". The Hollywood Reporter concluded that "Gameau clearly has good intentions, and generally succeeds in sweetening a potentially bitter subject for easy public consumption." However, a Slate review insisted "That Sugar Film is so highly processed, and so laden with chintzy, artificial arguments, that its many weaknesses are hidden from consumers."

A local Australian review in The Sydney Morning Herald claimed that the film is "not rigorous enough to prove anything at all".