Hysteria Movie Review

Director: Tanya Wexler

Writers: Stephen Dyer, Jonah Lisa Dyer, Howard Gensler

In Theaters: May 18, 2012 (USA)

Running Time: 100 minutes

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Cast: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy, Jonathan Pryce

Synopsis:

Dr. Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy) is a struggling physician during the Victorian era. He has worked on several hospitals but unfortunately he always stays for a brief period of time in his work place. Then, he has his big break after he is hired by Dr. Robert Dalrymple (Jonathan Pryce) to work for him. He assists Dr. Dalrymple to help cure those women from hysteria. It is considered a mental problem at that time. Things work well for Dr. Granville until such time that he can no longer attend to his tasks anymore. During this time, he is able to come up with an interesting devise which is now commonly called as the vibrator.

Reaction:

This film is based on a true story about how the famous vibrator nowadays came to be. At that time in which medical science used crude tools and the medical practitioners got less knowledge, I realize how difficult life back then. A simple problem of hysteria which only rooted from women's lack of sex and stress from everyday life needs to seek  medical help. However, in this present time, it can easily be remedied. 

Anyway, I love the fact how this film presented the story in a light, funny and entertaining way. The actors were able to portray their roles well in a natural way. They did not make extra effort to make some scenes funny. Actually, the actors were quite serious in delivering their roles. The funniest scenes were those women who sought treatment for their hysteria. Those scenes were done in the most professional way with some funny touch in them.

There were several things to like about this film. Aside from the actors, the setting and the costumes were well defined. I love how the beautiful scenery were captured on the big screen. Watching the entire film made me smile and lighthearted. It is not common to see this kind of quality film these days.

I would rate this film as 7 out of 10. The script may not be that brilliant but it has the all the elements of romantic comedy film that I have been longing to watch for.

Watch its Official Movie Trailer: