I've always been fascinated with automat even though I've never been to one, I've only seen them on tv but the idea of getting your food from a vending machine just always seemed really fascinating. In japan, delivering food by tech/automation is a huge part of the food culture there. They automate the delivery of food in so many ways, it's probably confusing to most westerners. And yes, they do have 'automat' style restaurants. I love that the producers have made this film because it preserves a bit of food history so it doesn't get lost. In cities across the country, there are special places known to locals that represent for that area, and their history needs to be preserved not replaced, if not in 3D, then in digital. The only difference here is in the delivery. My only criticism is that the film doesn't explore food delivery in other countries, like japan. Nor does it mention that one reason 'automat's don't exist today is because of regulations for food safety. Nor does it mention very much that the success was based on volume sales. Probably one of the first american businesses that depended on volume sales which is commonplace today but not when 'automat's existed. And, starbucks is not 'automat'; not even close. But you could compare the warehouse mart to that business model because they also depend on volume sales and they also offer signature items that reinforce the brand but lose money in sales. And, the film doesn't offer a peak at the future because 'automat' will be back eventually in some form.
Review of The Automat
