Lauren Greenfield's documentary gave a great view inside of eating disorder treatment facilities, and the lives of the people who need them. Although it did not inform the audience of how eating disorders develop, or how the main subjects got to Renfrew, the treatment facility that the film focuses on, that somehow aided Greenfield in eliminating any bias that may have come out if it had been directed by by someone else. Greenfield also opts to not use any voice overs, and she only interviews the patients, if anyone. I thought this was especially bold, allowing for the footage of the patients lives in the center to speak for themselves, as opposed to swaying the audience's view through a voice over.
After watching this film, however, I have started to question the validity of other eating disorder facilities; do they all treat patients like this, having extreme eating regimens and rules for everything? The scene that moved me the most was when the staff accused one of the patients, Shelly, of hiding food. They questioned her to the point of tears and interrogation, showing her that they had no trust in her. Even after the film revealed that the food was hidden by another patient, the staff members that had accused her were slow to apologize. That type of treatment can be extremely deteriorating to a patient with an eating disorder; they should be in a trusting and encouraging environment that promotes a positive body image, not a place where all of their control is taken away and they are treated like children.
Overall, I am extremely thankful to Lauren Greenfield for making this documentary. It was very helpful for me to learn what it is actually like to have an eating disorder without all of the glamor that morphs it on the internet. It was stark to the point of disgust towards the disorders, persuading me and anyone else, including those who are recovering from anorexia or bulimia, to avoid that type of lifestyle. I recommend this film to anyone who has access to it. Whether or not someone has any interest it watching it, Thin will have an impact on everyone.
After watching this film, however, I have started to question the validity of other eating disorder facilities; do they all treat patients like this, having extreme eating regimens and rules for everything? The scene that moved me the most was when the staff accused one of the patients, Shelly, of hiding food. They questioned her to the point of tears and interrogation, showing her that they had no trust in her. Even after the film revealed that the food was hidden by another patient, the staff members that had accused her were slow to apologize. That type of treatment can be extremely deteriorating to a patient with an eating disorder; they should be in a trusting and encouraging environment that promotes a positive body image, not a place where all of their control is taken away and they are treated like children.
Overall, I am extremely thankful to Lauren Greenfield for making this documentary. It was very helpful for me to learn what it is actually like to have an eating disorder without all of the glamor that morphs it on the internet. It was stark to the point of disgust towards the disorders, persuading me and anyone else, including those who are recovering from anorexia or bulimia, to avoid that type of lifestyle. I recommend this film to anyone who has access to it. Whether or not someone has any interest it watching it, Thin will have an impact on everyone.