The Pathological Optimist

The Pathological Optimist is a captivating film released in 2017, which stakes its claim in the controversial crossroads of healthcare, ethics, and the relentless pursuit of what one perceives as the truth. Featuring Andrew Wakefield, along with other key figures such as Carmel Wakefield and Brendan McBride, the film encompasses the journey of a man who is no mortal combatant, yet finds himself in the arena of high octane debate concerning autism and vaccinations.

Directed by the acclaimed Miranda Bailey, the documentary ventures to dissect and comprehend the persona of Andrew Wakefield, who himself is a widely controversial figure in the world of medicine. The former British gastroenterologist was once a respectable figure, only to be wedged in a vortex of crushing controversy due to his alleged unethical experimentation in the late 90s regarding the link between measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, and the onset of autism in children.

Spanning over five years, the film is an introspective exploration of Wakefield's relentless search for vindication and redemption while he wrestles with claims of unethical practices, career dismantling medical board hearings, and perpetuated skepticism mechanisms by the medical community and the mass media. Despite these obstacles, we find Wakefield with seemingly unbreakable faith and optimism, hence the title - The Pathological Optimist.

The film subtly explores Wakefield's family life and relationship dynamics with his wife, Carmel, and eldest son, Brendan. Carmel Wakefield's unyielding support for her husband adds another layer of emotional complexity to the narrative, while Brendan's journey towards adulthood under the shadow of his father's controversies brings the viewer closer to the reality of what it means to be an immediate family member caught in the line of fire.

The Pathological Optimist mirrors the charms of Bailey's signature storytelling style. The director conducts a carefully balanced scrutiny that, rather than completely absolving or condemning Wakefield, allows the audience to grapple with multiple facets of the truth, drenched in grey. All throughout this, she amplifies the human voice resonating behind the stigma, enabling the viewers to behold the human reality beneath the scenario without pushing a sense of absoluteness about the truth or falsity of Wakefield’s claims.

Interestingly, the film imposes no direct judgement forcing viewers to lean towards one side or the other. Instead, the narrative is crafted in a way to unveil the ideological underpinnings that provoke our judgement of Wakefield’s trials and tribulations. As we watch Wakefield’s challenging journey unfold, it leads to broader questions about ethics, controversial research, disinformation, societal judgment, and the role of media in highlighting or vilifying individuals and issues.

The use of close-up shots in the film brings an intense dimension to Wakefield's story, humanizing the man behind the controversial work. It creates a lucid portrayal of his determination, relentless struggle against adversity, and an urgent drive for resolution and redemption.

This film challenges our own personification of Wakefield, pushing us to question whether he is a defiant crusader on a path of truth, or simply a radicalized maverick lost in his interpretations. Regardless of how critics and enthusiasts interpret it, The Pathological Optimist effectively paints the portrait of a man steadfast in his convictions, refusing to succumb to the burden of proof leveled against him.

The Pathological Optimist is remarkably thought-provoking, embodying one man's journey through the storm, within the high stakes world of medical controversies that traverse through political, economic, and risk-laden arenas. Whether Wakefield is an earnest advocate for children’s health or a symbol of science gone awry, this film is an intimate look into the life of a man caught in a whirlwind of controversy, promising to touch every viewer with its raw yet refined storytelling. This is certainly a film that will elicit deep thought, intense discussion, and a fresh look at an oft-debated subject.