"Hysteria" : The Invention of Mechanical Pleasure

Certain subjects are still difficult to present in a film even in this day and age. Especially when it  comes to sexuality, female sexuality that is, which is still seen by many as taboo, and as a deviant endeavor in the shadow of a still mostly men-driven society. Therefore, to present the story around the invention of the vibrator in a classy, tactful, and engaging way, is an achievement of its own. Moreover, to treat the subject matter in a comedic but still, in a sense, innocent manner, is delightful. "Hysteria" is a period piece comedy that follows the 19th century treatment of women's mood swings and emotionally discomfort, which diagnosis gives title to this film. Right of the bat the film is charming and truly funny. Using this pseudo historic tale to send a message about how times change, and how things that once might have seem progressive are now run of the mill, accepted, and even routinary.

In "Hysteria", Dr. Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy) is tired of feeling like his medical expertise is misused, until he stumbles upon a one of a kind practitioner. Dr. Robert Dalrymple (Jonathan Pryce), dedicated to treat hysteria among bourgeois women who pay to be "massaged" until their troubles are gone, at least for a few days. Since the workload seems to be getting heavy for a  not so young Dr. Dalrymple, the charming Mortimer is up for the challenge of satisfying all the rich ladies in London. In the midst of a constant coming and going of woman seeking genital relief, Dr. Granville falls for the Dalrymple girls. The Dr.'s daughters are complete opposites. At first interested in the most refined of them Emily (Felicity Jones), Granville realizes with time that his true love is the altruistic and feminist Charlotte (Maggie Gyllenhaal). After having disappointed his mentor because of his inability to physically keep up with all their patients, Granville with the help of his electricity-obsessed pal Lord Edmund (Rupert Everett) comes up with an invention that would change intimate pleasure forever. This rudimentary sex toy will become Granville's salvation and his path to winning Charlotte's wild heart.

The film is pure joy from beginning to end. Regardless of  its theme, the story and its characters never take themselves too seriously. Nevertheless, it uses this easy going facade to cover its bigger ideas. The invention of the vibrator meant more that just mechanized orgasms. It marked a big step in female liberation, giving them the freedom to embrace their sexuality, and have a say over their bodies. The film has many gags that aim to confront us with what is now considered essential, such as the telephone, and  how those staples of our day were once seen as impractical. In the same realm was the possibility of women going to university or voting. "Hysteria" uses this hysterical sexual treatment (no pun intended)  as a vehicle to speak about the constant need for change and evolution. Hugh Dancy is phenomenal, engaging and kindhearted.Yet  he is divided between what he thinks is good in a woman and what he really wants. His chemistry with Ms. Gyllenhaal draws you into the story, even if we all know too well the outcome of their romantic tale.

Not too concerned with historical accuracy, "Hysteria" still manages to bring some facts to the light for those interested in the origins of home use sexual devices. The only "but" to this very entertaining piece, its the recurrence of many costume drama cliches, some of them I understand unavoidable. Thus making some of the lead characters lack depth and making the supporting cast a bit to much like caricatures  (e.g. the prostitute). Even with all its period glamour and comedic overtones, the story is interesting, the humor is there, the romance works, it is all in all a good time. Directed by Tanya Wexler, "Hysteria" is  out on Blu-ray and DVD tomorrow. Grade B+.