Fast Food Nation is a 2006 drama film that explores the impact of the fast-food industry on health, the environment, animal welfare, and workers' rights. The movie tells the story of several interconnected characters, including a marketing executive (played by Greg Kinnear) at a fast-food giant, a group of Mexican immigrants working in a meat-processing plant, and a burger chain employee (played by Avril Lavigne) who becomes disillusioned with the industry.
Throughout the movie, the characters confront the harsh realities of the fast-food industry, from the health hazards posed by high-fat, high-sugar, and high-sodium foods to the cruelty and exploitation of workers and animals in the food production system. The film also highlights the environmental impact of the industry, as well as the social and economic inequalities that often underlie fast-food consumption.
Fast Food Nation was directed by Richard Linklater, based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Eric Schlosser. The all-star cast includes Ethan Hawke, Kris Kristofferson, Patricia Arquette, and Luis Guzman, among others. The movie received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its compelling storytelling and powerful message about the dangers of fast food.