Hysteria Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A doctor gets hand cramps from helping Victorian women with their ‘hysteria,’ so he invents a fancy feather duster to do the job, and accidentally revolutionizes female pleasure, while also choosing between two very different sisters.

🍿 Hysteria: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Doctor’s Struggles in Victorian England

In 1880s London, Dr. Mortimer Granville, a forward-thinking young doctor, faces constant rejection due to his modern medical beliefs, such as the importance of hand-washing and germ theory. He struggles to find a position in a medical field steeped in outdated practices like leeching and bloodletting. His persistence eventually leads him to an unconventional opportunity.

The Peculiar Practice of Dr. Dalrymple

Granville secures a position assisting Dr. Robert Dalrymple, a renowned specialist in treating ‘female hysteria.’ This supposed ailment is addressed through ‘pelvic massage,’ a practice involving manual stimulation to induce ‘paroxysm’ (orgasm) in female patients. Granville finds himself quickly inundated with patients and the surprising success of this unusual treatment.

Romance and Revolution

Dr. Dalrymple has two daughters: Emily, a demure and traditionally minded young woman, and Charlotte, a passionate and outspoken advocate for women’s rights and the less fortunate. Mortimer finds himself torn between the two sisters, attracted to Emily’s grace and charm while also drawn to Charlotte’s progressive ideals and fiery spirit. He begins a courtship with Emily, but grows increasingly aware of his feelings for Charlotte.

The Invention of the Vibrator

The repetitive nature of his work begins to take a physical toll on Granville. He develops carpal tunnel syndrome, threatening his ability to continue practicing medicine. In search of a solution, he collaborates with his eccentric inventor friend, Edmund St. John-Smythe. Together, they modify an electric feather duster, inadvertently creating the first electromechanical vibrator, revolutionizing the treatment of ‘hysteria’ and changing Granville’s life forever.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy): A pioneering young doctor in Victorian London who challenges outdated medical practices and inadvertently invents the vibrator.
• Charlotte Dalrymple (Maggie Gyllenhaal): An outspoken suffragette and advocate for women’s rights who runs a settlement house for the poor.
• Dr. Robert Dalrymple (Jonathan Pryce): A renowned doctor specializing in the treatment of female hysteria through pelvic massages.
• Emily Dalrymple (Felicity Jones): Dr. Dalrymple’s younger, demure daughter who is interested in science and initially courts Mortimer.
• Edmund St. John-Smythe (Rupert Everett): A wealthy and eccentric inventor friend who helps Mortimer develop the electric vibrator.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Edmund St. John-Smythe: “The Rubby-Nubby.” – Edmund jokingly suggests this name for the new device during a brainstorming session with Mortimer.
• Mortimer Granville: “Paroxysmator.” – Mortimer seriously proposes this name, reflecting the medical terminology used for female orgasms at the time.
• Edmund St. John-Smythe: “The Jiggly-Wiggly?” – Edmund humorously continues with another outlandish suggestion during their naming process.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,804,139
• Worldwide Gross: $9,584,256

💥 Hysteria Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Hysteria’ to be a surprisingly delightful and witty film. The premise alone is hilarious, and the performances, especially by Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy, are charming. I chuckled throughout the movie, particularly during the scenes showcasing the evolution of the vibrator! It’s a lighthearted and fun take on a fascinating piece of history that I wasn’t even aware of. I left the movie feeling entertained and slightly more enlightened.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British period comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in historical medical practices”
  • “Those who enjoy romantic comedies with a feminist slant”
  • “Anyone looking for a lighthearted and witty film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes and implied sexual content”
  • “Depiction of historical medical practices that may be considered outdated or offensive”
  • “Brief scenes of social injustice and inequality”

Professional Reviews

• FilmPulse.Net: “The film contains two distinct stories that are intertwined in an unusual and ultimately disappointing fashion. The cast is rather unremarkable, but then again they are not given much to do except play the characters so often seen in period comedies of this sort. I watched ‘Hysteria as a sneak preview and was pleasantly surprised.
• A TATA Theater Near You: “Here is a bright, funny, hopelessly endearing film that benefits greatly from the sheer likability of its actors. The story is just as blush-inducing today as it would have been in Victorian times. The film is also surprisingly timely, audacious in its assertion that we are all deserving of fair treatment, a quality education, and access to medical care.
• Indie Wire: “Director Tanya Wexler and writers Stephen Dyer and Jonah Lisa Dyer take full advantage, giving us a truly hilarious look at the oppressive scientific ideas that used to surround female sexuality. I watched ‘Hysteria as a sneak preview and was pleasantly surprised. Both Dancy and Gyllenhaal refrain from playing their somewhat stereotypical roles over the top.

Audience Reactions

The movie is the most delightful little story of a small piece of history to ever grace the movie screen.: Viewers loved the blend of comedy and history, praising the film’s ability to handle a delicate subject with humor and wit.

It’s a very British and Victorian story that is very funny and relevant today. It’s also a light sex romp that never shows anything or anybody with anyone. How much better than that?: Audience found the acting and story lines to be good.

Overall Consensus: A charming and funny period comedy that explores the history of the vibrator with wit and intelligence, though some viewers found the romantic subplot to be less compelling than the historical context.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is loosely based on the true story of Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville, who invented the first electromechanical vibrator in the 1880s.”
• “The filmmakers consulted with historians and medical experts to ensure accuracy in the portrayal of Victorian medical practices and social customs.”
• “The end credits feature images of various vibrators throughout history, showcasing the evolution of the device.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hysteria?

Hysteria is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary by region. You can also search for DVD or Blu-ray copies online through retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hysteria, you might like these similar films:

• The Doctor (1991): Explores the changing attitudes and ethical dilemmas faced by a doctor challenging established medical practices, similar to Mortimer’s struggles.
• Kinsey (2004): Deals with controversial topics related to sexuality and challenges societal norms, much like ‘Hysteria’ tackles the subject of female pleasure in Victorian England.
• Belle (2013): Like ‘Hysteria’, it examines social issues and challenges societal norms within a historical context, specifically focusing on race and class in 18th-century England.

🛒 Hysteria Related Products

• Victorian Novel Collection: Classic Literature Set: Immerse yourself in the era of ‘Hysteria’ with this collection of classic Victorian novels. This set includes works by authors like the Brontë sisters, Charles Dickens, and George Eliot, providing a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context of the time.
• Anatomical Heart Pendant Necklace: Wear a piece of medical history with this Anatomical Heart Pendant Necklace. Made from high-quality materials, this unique pendant captures the essence of Victorian-era scientific curiosity and adds a touch of macabre elegance to any outfit.
• Sheridan Smith – A Northern Soul [Music Download]: Enjoy the music of the wonderful Sheridan Smith by downloading the album. Sheridan played the part of Molly in the film, a brilliant actress and singer.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hysteria features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rule Britannia” – performed by The Band of the Royal Marines

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What is hysteria, and why were so many women diagnosed with it? – Mark S. Micale

Ever wondered where the term ‘hysteria’ came from and why it was so often applied to women? This TED-Ed video breaks it down – it’s a wild ride through medical history that totally changed how I see the movie!

Anna O – A Freudian case study of Hysteria and the Electra Complex

Want to understand the real-life inspiration behind some of the psychological theories in the movie? This video explores the fascinating case of Anna O., a patient who shaped Freud’s understanding of hysteria – it’s way more intriguing than it sounds!

Why Do We Still Teach Freud If He Was So Wrong?

Freud’s a controversial figure, but his ideas still pop up everywhere! This video tackles why we still talk about him, even though some of his theories are outdated. It gives you a great perspective to think about while watching the movie.

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