Semmelweis

Semmelweis is a 1980 Hungarian drama film directed by Miklós Jancsó, which focuses on the life of Ignác Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician who fought against the causes of puerperal fever in the 19th century. Set in the vibrant city of Vienna, the film transports the viewer to a time when the medical field was still in its early stages of understanding the causes of disease. The story begins in the 19th-century Vienna hospital where Ignác Semmelweis, played by Csaba Czobor, is an obstetrician. Semmelweis has always been fascinated by the high mortality rate of women during childbirth. Women who deliver babies in the hospital have a 10% chance of dying from puerperal fever, an untreatable and highly contagious disease that was rampant in hospitals during that era. Semmelweis is determined to find the cause and bring an end to this alarming disease. Semmelweis's medical practice is quite unorthodox, especially for his time. He observes that doctors, who also perform autopsies on deceased patients, seem to carry a peculiar 'material' from their autopsies that leads to patients becoming infected. He is convinced that doctors must be the primary source of the disease. However, his views clash with the established medical professionals in the hospital, who seem more interested in their status and wealth than in genuinely finding the cause of the disease. Semmelweis's frustration and temper often get the better of him, and his short-tempered nature often puts him at odds with his colleagues. Despite the odds against him, Semmelweis is resolute in his determination to discover the truth behind the high mortality rate of women in childbirth. He performs numerous experiments and observations in an effort to find the source of the disease. As Semmelweis digs deeper, he discovers that his theory is met with skepticism and resistance from the majority of his colleagues. The medical community of the time is unwilling to accept Semmelweis's views and instead focuses on finding the 'miasma' or 'bad air' to be the cause of the disease. The idea of germs and contagion had just been recently discovered, and it would take a few more decades for the medical profession to accept these new ideas. Semmelweis's determination to prove his theory leads him to make difficult decisions, including imposing handwashing rituals for his medical students before they attend to patients. This decision sparks outrage and resistance from his colleagues, who view him as a radical and a troublemaker. Despite their opposition, Semmelweis perseveres and eventually proves that handwashing is essential in preventing the spread of the disease. The film depicts a poignant and moving portrayal of a man driven by his passion for medicine and his desire to save lives. Semmelweis is a testament to the sacrifices that medical professionals make in order to bring about change and to advance the field of medicine. Through his struggles, Semmelweis highlights the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. The film's cinematography and direction by Miklós Jancsó provide a visually striking and atmospheric portrayal of 19th-century Vienna. The film's use of natural light, color palette, and composition create a sense of timelessness, transporting the viewer back to the past. The performances of the cast, led by Csaba Czobor as Semmelweis, bring to life the characters and their struggles in a way that is both captivating and heart-wrenching. Overall, Semmelweis is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on an important chapter in the history of medicine. The film pays tribute to Semmelweis's dedication to his craft, his bravery in the face of opposition, and his enduring legacy as the 'father of antiseptic practice'.