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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
What do women want? Well, science may debate that for years, but Hysteria provides a very entertaining answer in the form of a historical romp through early psychology. Based on the story of a young British doctor who essentially invented the first vibrator, Hysteria handles its offbeat subject matter lightly and amusingly. And its cast is splendid. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Felicity Jones play Victorian-era sisters, Charlotte and Emily, daughters of the prominent physician Dr. Dalrymple (Jonathan Pryce). Into their lives comes an ambitious, thoughtful young doctor, Mortimer Granville (played by the dreamy Hugh Dancy). Dr. Granville's life work has become focused on women's issues, including the all-encompassing diagnosis "hysteria," for which he is experimenting with therapeutic "pelvic massage" treatments. When he comes to Dr. Dalrymple for mentoring and approval of his rather unorthodox treatments, the doctor's two daughters vie for his romantic affections. In lesser hands, this film could have been a Victorian-era 40-Year-Old Virgin or The (Sexual) Hangover, but director Tanya Wexler keeps the action crisp, light, and focused. Hysteria is a great date movie or a splendid escape for history, and hysteria, lovers. --A.T. Hurley
Product Description
HYSTERIA is a romantic comedy wrapped around the surprising story of the first electro-mechanical vibrator, invented by happenstance at a time when the very peak of Victorian prudishness coincided with the dawn of the electrical age. London. 1880. Dr. Mortimer Granville (Dancy) is torn between the "proper" doctor's staid and static world of success and acceptance and a more progressive and fulfilling, but frowned upon, experience. Tossed out for his forward-thinking ideas by the medical establishment, Granville finds a position with Dr. Robert Dalrymple, a highly respected and successful doctor, with a very popular private practice specializing in treating women diagnosed with Hysteria. In his new position, Dalrymple finds Granville a proper suitor for his beloved daughter Emily, the epitome of "English virtue and womanliness," with her lovely face, demure manner and artistic and intellectual accomplishments, but it is the elder daughter Charlotte (Gyllenhaal), a firebrand social reformer, arguing passionately for women's rights to be educated, vote, and live independent lives that secretly excites him. Although Granville is somewhat shocked by Charlotte's lack of propriety, he feels kinship with her conviction to help those in need. They snipe at each other's views, but he earns her grudging respect when he treats a poor settlement house woman with a broken ankle.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"Hysteria" (95 min.) brings the highly unlikely (but we are reminded at the beginning of the film that "This movie is based on true events. Really.") story of a young doctor Dr. Mortimer Granville (played by Hugh Dancy) in London, 1880, who is struggling but eventually finds a job with Dr. Robert Dalrymple (played brillantly by Jonathan Pryce) who is treating women for the so-called hysteria disease, really a catch-all for any and all things supposedly wrong with women in those days. The treatment is nothing else but to touch these women's private parts until they reach "paroxysmal convulsions" (wink, wink). The young doctor along with his buddy eventually come up with a mechanical device, which became the vibrator (still the number one sex toy in the world today, we are reminded at the end of the movie).
But the movie in fact is much more about Granville's romantic interplay with the 2 daughters of Dalrymple, Emily (played by Felicity Jones), who is "daddy's girl" and to whom Granville gets engaged, and Charlotte (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal), the "rebel" daughter who has set up a social center to help the poor. I don't want to give away much more from the plot, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Maggie Gyllenhall really shines in this movie. I couldn't help but think how much she reminded me of Diane Keaton in her late 70s performances (think Annie Hall). That aside, this movie is a pleasant romcom, nothing more, nothing less. And no, not an "important movie" about women's empowerment as some other reviews here (who obviously did not see the movie) are suggesting.
But the movie in fact is much more about Granville's romantic interplay with the 2 daughters of Dalrymple, Emily (played by Felicity Jones), who is "daddy's girl" and to whom Granville gets engaged, and Charlotte (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal), the "rebel" daughter who has set up a social center to help the poor. I don't want to give away much more from the plot, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Maggie Gyllenhall really shines in this movie. I couldn't help but think how much she reminded me of Diane Keaton in her late 70s performances (think Annie Hall). That aside, this movie is a pleasant romcom, nothing more, nothing less. And no, not an "important movie" about women's empowerment as some other reviews here (who obviously did not see the movie) are suggesting.
29 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By kate kinsey
Format:DVD
When, some time ago, I'd heard that Maggie Gyllenhaal was making a movie about the invention of the vibrator, I was excited. I mean, I love Maggie and I love vibrators so what more could I ask for in the way of entertainment? But time went by and I heard nothing about it. I'd almost forgotten it completely when, checking out the new offerings on Amazon (because as I've told you repeatedly for months now, NETFLIX SUCKS), there it was! Yippee!
I had fresh coffee, a French toast bagel with honey walnut cream cheese and a movie about vibrators. A near-perfect Saturday morning.
Honestly, I expected the movie to be interesting, perhaps even enlightening in an indie film kinda way, considered that it apparently got so little press I wasn't even aware it had opened. But what i got was a delighful little movie that had me chuckling and laughing out loud. Considering the subject, it gives the term "a feel-good movie" a whole new meaning.
Even better, the basic facts of the movie are true.
In England of the 1890's -- the height of Victorian prudery, where furniture was draped with heavy fabric to prevent the scandalous sight of carved table "legs" giving rise to lascivious thoughts -- the average doctor killed more patients than he saved. Medicine was still medieval, and leeching was still being prescribed even for broken bones.
Mortimer Granville, a young doctor who eagerly embraces all the cutting-edge research of the day, finds himself discharged from one hospital after another for his strange new ideas about "germs" and hand washing. In desperation, he ends up at the door of Dr. Dalrymple, who is eager for help in his thriving and lucrative practice treating "female hysteria."
Hysteria, an affliction of the female nervous system thought to stem from a disorder of the uterus, was at the time the catch-all diagnosis for just about every female ailment, particularly melancholia, nervousness, frigidity, nymphomania and excitability. What we realize now, of course, was that these women were actually suffering -- and often quite seriously -- from the sheer frustration of the limited, tedious and repressed lives they were forced to live.
A well-bred young woman had no choice but to marry a man she barely knew, submit to his "carnal lusts" with no preparation or expectation of pleasure, run his household, bear his children and do it all while smiling, biting her tongue and wearing a corset. Who wouldn't be depressed, frustrated and, yes, hysterical?
In extreme cases, hysterectomies were performed to remove the "offending" organs. Which says a lot about the complete and utter bigoted ignorance of men in understanding and valuing women's lives and bodies.
It should be noted that only well-to-do women suffered from hysteria. Poor women were too busy simply trying to survive, and barely had access to medical treatment for life-threatening emergencies.
Dr. Dalrymple -- superbly played by Jonathan Pryce -- specializes in the treatment of hysteria through "medicinal massage" to "lessen the tensions in the womb." With complete sincerity, he explains to Granville (played by Hugh Dancy) that his patients experience "paroxysms" -- not to be confused with sexual pleasure, which women are of course incapable of experiencing without masculine penetration.
Granville becomes the doctor's assistant, and is soon suffering intense carpel tunnel and muscle cramps from the prolonged daily "massage" of dozens of women. When idly playing with his friend's new invention -- an electric duster -- he notices the vibrations bring amazing relief to his near-crippled hand.
Which leads to a moment of spectacular genius for which I am eternally grateful.
There's a love story, too, but it dovetails nicely with the theme of the movie, which is about women taking control of their lives. Maggie plays Dr. Dalrymple's "other" daughter, a passionate suffragette and doer of good works in the poorest parts of London. She sparkles. I think this may be my favorite role for her.
So, let's give a hand (metaphorically speaking) to Dr. Mortimer Granville, the inventor of the vibrator! Perhaps we should all celebrate a "paroxysm" in his honor.
Seriously, check out this very funny and enjoyable movie. If it sounds "risqué" it's really not. There's no nudity, no bad language, and only one kiss in the whole movie. It was actually amazing that they could deal with the subject matter in such a Victorian way. One reviewer has expressed his disgust at watching an "old dried up woman" experiencing pleasure in a completely demure and ladylike way. You'd have to be a serious prude or a sexist, ageist grump to characterize the scene in such a dismissive way. Maybe the more conservative of you might not want to watch it with your parents or children, but my mom would laugh right along with me.
I had fresh coffee, a French toast bagel with honey walnut cream cheese and a movie about vibrators. A near-perfect Saturday morning.
Honestly, I expected the movie to be interesting, perhaps even enlightening in an indie film kinda way, considered that it apparently got so little press I wasn't even aware it had opened. But what i got was a delighful little movie that had me chuckling and laughing out loud. Considering the subject, it gives the term "a feel-good movie" a whole new meaning.
Even better, the basic facts of the movie are true.
In England of the 1890's -- the height of Victorian prudery, where furniture was draped with heavy fabric to prevent the scandalous sight of carved table "legs" giving rise to lascivious thoughts -- the average doctor killed more patients than he saved. Medicine was still medieval, and leeching was still being prescribed even for broken bones.
Mortimer Granville, a young doctor who eagerly embraces all the cutting-edge research of the day, finds himself discharged from one hospital after another for his strange new ideas about "germs" and hand washing. In desperation, he ends up at the door of Dr. Dalrymple, who is eager for help in his thriving and lucrative practice treating "female hysteria."
Hysteria, an affliction of the female nervous system thought to stem from a disorder of the uterus, was at the time the catch-all diagnosis for just about every female ailment, particularly melancholia, nervousness, frigidity, nymphomania and excitability. What we realize now, of course, was that these women were actually suffering -- and often quite seriously -- from the sheer frustration of the limited, tedious and repressed lives they were forced to live.
A well-bred young woman had no choice but to marry a man she barely knew, submit to his "carnal lusts" with no preparation or expectation of pleasure, run his household, bear his children and do it all while smiling, biting her tongue and wearing a corset. Who wouldn't be depressed, frustrated and, yes, hysterical?
In extreme cases, hysterectomies were performed to remove the "offending" organs. Which says a lot about the complete and utter bigoted ignorance of men in understanding and valuing women's lives and bodies.
It should be noted that only well-to-do women suffered from hysteria. Poor women were too busy simply trying to survive, and barely had access to medical treatment for life-threatening emergencies.
Dr. Dalrymple -- superbly played by Jonathan Pryce -- specializes in the treatment of hysteria through "medicinal massage" to "lessen the tensions in the womb." With complete sincerity, he explains to Granville (played by Hugh Dancy) that his patients experience "paroxysms" -- not to be confused with sexual pleasure, which women are of course incapable of experiencing without masculine penetration.
Granville becomes the doctor's assistant, and is soon suffering intense carpel tunnel and muscle cramps from the prolonged daily "massage" of dozens of women. When idly playing with his friend's new invention -- an electric duster -- he notices the vibrations bring amazing relief to his near-crippled hand.
Which leads to a moment of spectacular genius for which I am eternally grateful.
There's a love story, too, but it dovetails nicely with the theme of the movie, which is about women taking control of their lives. Maggie plays Dr. Dalrymple's "other" daughter, a passionate suffragette and doer of good works in the poorest parts of London. She sparkles. I think this may be my favorite role for her.
So, let's give a hand (metaphorically speaking) to Dr. Mortimer Granville, the inventor of the vibrator! Perhaps we should all celebrate a "paroxysm" in his honor.
Seriously, check out this very funny and enjoyable movie. If it sounds "risqué" it's really not. There's no nudity, no bad language, and only one kiss in the whole movie. It was actually amazing that they could deal with the subject matter in such a Victorian way. One reviewer has expressed his disgust at watching an "old dried up woman" experiencing pleasure in a completely demure and ladylike way. You'd have to be a serious prude or a sexist, ageist grump to characterize the scene in such a dismissive way. Maybe the more conservative of you might not want to watch it with your parents or children, but my mom would laugh right along with me.
32 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Yes, Hysteria really is about the invention of the vibrator in Victorian England. And in my opinion it is adorable. Not everyone's cup of tea I realize. If the subject matter makes you a little uncomfortable, then give this one a pass. I can certainly see that certain conservatives would not be amused by this premise.
If however you find it amusing that someone made a romantic comedy about...well...you know what... then you will have a lovely light evening with lots of laughs.
If however you find it amusing that someone made a romantic comedy about...well...you know what... then you will have a lovely light evening with lots of laughs.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Funny
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Pure entertainment tastefully done on what could be a sensitive topic for some people. I recommended it to my friends. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Michelle
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting view on inventions
This story goes to show how unusual a backstory can be on the invention of such curious, yet apparently popular, consumer products can be
Published 13 days ago by Mezlo
5.0 out of 5 stars
great movie
I waited almost a year for this movie to hit the US I saw the previews 10 months before it came out heres. fun movie and great subject to have fun with...
Published 15 days ago by S. Farley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie for over 15 audience.
My husband and I loved this funny movie about the past plight of women. It is well-written and well-acted. Easy to follow the story line.
Published 23 days ago by mom
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hillarious movie
I bought this movie because I love historical pieces and I'm a fan of the actors. This was hilarious. Read more
Published 25 days ago by A. Mateas
4.0 out of 5 stars
Victorian Rom Com with Ladies Bedchamber Toys.
Set in Victorian London we meet idealistic Doctor Morton Granville (Hugh Dancy `Black Hawk Down' and `King Arthur') who has worked in most of London's hospitals, all in the last... Read more
Published 26 days ago by Tommy D
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not as funny as expected
It's an okay movie but definitely not as funny as it could have been. I expected more with the cast and it just never came :-(
Published 1 month ago by David P. Hahn
4.0 out of 5 stars
Light and sweet confection!
A light diversion of a romantic comedy that pirouettes around period social class, women's rights, and other issues of the era along with the invention of the vibrator as the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by M.—
3.0 out of 5 stars
A lighthearted look at the development of the mechanical vibrator
I had some idea of what this movie is about (the introduction of the mechanical vibrator) but had to pause the movie for a minute to wrap my head around the idea of 19th century... Read more
Published 1 month ago by M. Oleson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fast Shipping
Excellent all around product and purchase experience! Very interesting movie that I would highly recommend to anyone. Fun, a bit historical and serious.
Published 1 month ago by Sean B. Jones
