Marjin Frank is a self-described meat junkie. And her compulsion to continue eating meat is the topic of this frank documentary, which tackles the cultural symbolism, ethics and (often) hypocrisy involved in the decision to eat meat.
As a former vegetarian and new mother, Frank finds herself in a quandary about her decision to consume animal products. Rationally, she notes, there are so many reasons not to eat meat; however, her compulsion to continue eating animal proteins leaves her vexed.
Why is her desire to eat meat so very strong? Is it justifiable? Can she give it up? Should she raise her daughter as a meat eater or a vegetarian?
In her search for answers, the TV director and food journalist embarks upon a personal journey that leads her to explore the psychological, emotional and intellectual aspects of the decision to consume meat.
She seeks the advice of a psychologist and lands an internship in a slaughterhouse, deciding that, if she chooses to continue to eat meat, she needs to face the reality of what that means – both for herself and the animals she chooses to consume.
Along the way, she comes face to face with various aspects of the meat industry, from facilities whose aim is to grow chickens as quickly as possible, to a laboratory which produces "cultured" meat and a restaurant where a chef touts the benefits of eating heritage breed animals to keep them from extinction.
She also speaks to vegetarians, who provide perspective on how and why she should consider giving up meat.
As Frank struggles, the cinematography underscores the complexity of the issue. Scenes of cattle being slaughtered and butchered are juxtaposed against sexy scenes depicting Frank relishing her consumption of meat.
The plot hits its zenith as the day arrives when Marijn decides to take part in the slaughter of a cow, giving her the impetus to decide, once and for all, where she stands.
At its foundation, "Need for Meat" is the story of a food lover coming to terms with her own decision to eat meat. The film is graphic and sobering at times, but also littered with humor and realness. In the end, it’s a thought provoking film that will make you think before you take your next bite of meat.
There are two additional screenings for "Need for Meat (Vleesverlangen)" during the Milwaukee Film Festival: Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 9:30 p.m. at the Downer Theatre and Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Avalon Theater.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
