- Genre
- Documentary
- Year
- 2017
- Runtime
- 1h33
0
The Pathological Optimist
A controversial journey through science, belief, and conviction.
Watch The Pathological Optimist streaming in
No offers found.
We couldn't find any offers for The Pathological Optimist streaming in Cyprus.
Synopsis
The Pathological Optimist is a documentary film directed by Martin Durkin that chronicles the controversial career and perspectives of Andrew Wakefield, the former physician known for his discredited research linking vaccines to autism. The film delves into Wakefield's motivations, his legal battles, and the impact of his work on public health and vaccine discourse. Through interviews, archival footage, and Wakefield's own narration, the documentary explores the complex issues surrounding medical ethics, freedom of speech, and the challenge of confronting scientific controversies in the public arena. It offers viewers a controversial yet poignant look at conviction, doubt, and the consequences of challenging scientific consensus.
Cast
Reviews
The Pathological Optimist has elicited mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 60% approval rating, reflecting a divided critical reception. Some reviewers appreciate the film's in-depth look into Andrew Wakefield's perspective and its exploration of the medical and ethical dilemmas inherent in scientific controversies. They cite its thorough interviews and engaging narrative as strengths, applauding its attempt to present a humanized view of a polarizing figure. However, other critics argue that the documentary at times exhibits bias, potentially giving undue credibility to Wakefield's discredited theories without sufficiently counterbalancing them with scientific consensus. The film's IMDb rating stands at 4.9/10, indicating generally unfavorable audience reactions, with viewers noting discomfort about the film's framing of the vaccine debate. Metacritic scores are limited but suggest similarly mixed reviews, with commentary pointing to the film's controversial subject matter as both a point of interest and a source of contention. Overall, The Pathological Optimist serves as a provocative exploration of a contentious topic, but viewers should approach it with an awareness of its inherent complexities and the ongoing debate around its subject.
