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Deep Dive: The Pathological Optimist (2017)

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The Pathological Optimist
THE PATHOLOGICAL OPTIMIST provides an intimate look at Andrew Wakefield and his family from 2011 to 2016. The film focuses on Wakefield's defamation case against the British Medical Journal, capturing his efforts to clear his name amid the controversy surrounding his role as the Father of the Anti-vaccine movement. It presents a complex portrait of Wakefield, detailing the personal and legal battles he faces during this period. The documentary also examines the impact of Wakefield's work on public health and the ongoing debate over vaccination. Through candid moments with his family and insights into his motivations, the film presents a nuanced view of a man at the center of a heated public discourse, providing context to the anti-vaccine movement and its implications.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Andrew Wakefield, the Father of the Anti-vaccine movement.
  • •Follow Wakefield's defamation case against the British Medical Journal.
  • •See candid moments with Wakefield's family during the controversy.

Did You Know

•The film covers Andrew Wakefield's life from 2011 to 2016.
•Wakefield's defamation case involves the British Medical Journal.
•The documentary has a duration of 93 minutes.
•The film features Wakefield's family, including his children Bridget and Carmel.

Perfect For

Vaccine debateMedical ethicsPublic health issues