Watch The Pathological Optimist

The Pathological Optimist is a 2017 documentary that explores the controversy around the anti-vaccine movement and the discredited study that linked the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to autism. The film focuses on the figure of Andrew Wakefield, a British former doctor and researcher who authored the controversial 1998 study and became a prominent advocate for vaccine skepticism.

Directed by Miranda Bailey, the documentary offers a nuanced and intimate portrait of Wakefield and his family, including his wife Carmel and his son James, who was diagnosed with autism and became a powerful argument in Wakefield's campaign against vaccines. The film also features interviews with Wakefield's opponents and critics, including journalists, medical experts, and parents of children who suffered from preventable diseases due to vaccine refusal.

The film begins by outlining the context of the anti-vaccine movement in the late 1990s, which tapped into parental fears and mistrust of the medical establishment. Wakefield's study, published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet, purported to find a link between the MMR vaccine and colitis and autism in a small sample of children. The study was quickly criticized for its methodology and conflicts of interest, as Wakefield had received funds from lawyers trying to sue vaccine manufacturers and had manipulated data to fit his hypothesis. The study was eventually retracted by The Lancet, and Wakefield was found guilty of professional misconduct and struck off the medical register.

However, the film suggests that Wakefield's fall from grace did not stop him from spreading his message and gaining support from vaccine skeptics in the US and other countries. The documentary shows Wakefield giving talks, attending rallies, and interacting with families who believe their children were injured by vaccines. Wakefield presents himself as a crusader for medical freedom and parental rights, and portrays his critics as part of a conspiracy to discredit his work and silence the truth about the dangers of vaccines.

Throughout the film, Bailey contrasts Wakefield's charisma and conviction with the skepticism and outrage of his opponents, who argue that his influence has led to a resurgence of preventable diseases and has undermined public health efforts. The documentary includes archival footage of measles outbreaks, interviews with doctors who have treated vaccine-preventable illnesses, and emotional testimonies of parents who regretted not vaccinating their children or lost them to vaccine-preventable diseases. The film also exposes the tactics of anti-vaccine activists, such as spreading misinformation, misrepresenting science, and exploiting fears and biases.

The Pathological Optimist is not a straightforward indictment of Wakefield or a celebration of vaccines. Instead, it raises complex questions about the ethics of science, the role of the media, and the psychology of belief. The film delves into Wakefield's personal life and motives, revealing his relationships with Carmel, his colleagues, and his patients, and exploring the impact of his research on his career and reputation. The documentary also reflects on the ways in which science can be misused or misunderstood, and the challenges of communicating complex information to the public.

Overall, The Pathological Optimist is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that sheds light on one of the most controversial and urgent issues of our time. It offers a balanced and nuanced perspective on the vaccine debate, and invites viewers to examine their own beliefs and biases. Whether you are a parent, a student, a researcher, or a concerned citizen, this film is a must-see exploration of the interface between science and society.

The Pathological Optimist is a 2017 documentary. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.