Full Disclosure: I love to eat meat, and admittedly, I prefer not to know “how the sausage is made.” Therefore, issues-based documentaries and stories are rather tricky to review. Is Meat Me Halfway a good or bad movie because I agree or disagree with its primary tenants? Can I or should I review the film solely as an art form? My approach is yes, both, maybe. Biases always play a part in criticism, and though I can’t entirely agree with most of Kateman’s viewpoints, the question ultimately is how did Kateman present his argument and was his film effective in conveying that message.
The main issue I have with Meat Me Halfway is how it branches into tangents and often veers off from the main point. The overarching premise of the film is “don’t eat meat!” I think the main reason purported here not to eat meat is because animals are living beings and don’t want to die to satiate man’s appetite for food and violence. That’s probably the strongest argument the film makes.
“…find myself in agreement with a few of Kateman’s points.”
The documentary makes several tangential arguments that sometimes have nothing to do with the primary message. For example, next to fossil fuels raising livestock under the factory farm model is the primary cause of global warming. The implication is when you bite into a burger, you’re harming the planet. Later on, the film shoots off into discussions of racial and economic inequities as one can not find a Whole Foods store in low-income urban neighborhoods, suggesting that America wants its minority communities malnourished… which is a more significant issue than simply “not eating meat.”
I do find myself in agreement with a few of Kateman’s points. The main one being the business model of factory farms. Farms were never meant to grow a single crop or raise a single animal. If you believe “Mother Nature,” healthy farms grow a variety of produce, and raising several forms of livestock can remove the need for pesticides and lab-grown fertilizers. In addition, livestock should never be injected with hormones or antibiotics for the sake of faster growth cycles and larger cuts of meat. I also agree with the harmful effects of fast food on society. It’s not in the movie, but did you know a McDonald’s cheeseburger will never grow moldy? Try it.
I’m not sure Meat Me Halfway will change minds, and up until Kateman attempts to find common ground, it feels like the message is “preaching to the choir.” But I appreciate his attempt to present his position in such a way that would appeal to the “other side.” I can say I was engaged with the film and found myself not only questioning his facts and opinions but questioning my own as well, which is a good thing. As the title suggests, I also appreciate his attempt to reach out and build bridges, which makes we wonder what the world would be like if we could have conversations and civil debate instead of forcing our soldier to “step in line.” Question everything.
"…appreciate his attempt to reach out and build bridges..."
