Hysteria

Hysteria, directed by Tanya Wexler, is a remarkable romantic comedy film set in the Victorian era. The film debuted in 2011, starring some of the finest actors of the time: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy, and Jonathan Pryce. Presented with a vibrant blend of history and comedy, the film not only leaves the audience entertained but also intrigued by the history of scientific and cultural advancements of the time.

The film opens with the ambitious, eager young Doctor Mortimer Granville, played by Hugh Dancy. Granville seeks a career in the medical field, but his progressive ideas have a hard time finding acceptance among the more traditional medical practitioners. In desperation, he accepts a job with Dr. Robert Dalrymple, portrayed by Jonathan Pryce. Dalrymple specializes in treating 'hysteria', a female-specific diagnosis prevalent in the societal and medical discourse of that time. According to traditional understanding, it was a catch-all condition treated with manual ‘pelvic massages’.

However, the story doesn't focus solely on Mortimer’s medical career. As the young doctor becomes integrated into the Dalrymple household, he meets the acerbic, strong-willed, and unconventional Charlotte, Dalrymple’s youngest daughter. Portrayed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, Charlotte serves as a stark contrast to the societal norms of the Victorian era. Her iconoclastic views on women's roles and societal norms challenge Granville's outlook, which creates tension and conflict but also attractions between the two.

But what makes Hysteria particularly unique is how it humorously highlights an oft-forgotten aspect of medical history. The ‘pelvic massage’ treatments that Dr. Granville undertakes lead to what eventually becomes a critical invention of the time, the first electromechanical vibrator. A minor inventor and Granville's friend, Edmund St. John Smythe, portrayed by Rupert Everett, comes to the rescue when the strenuousness of the 'treatments' becomes physically taxing for Granville. The invention is initially designed to help Granville with his work, but its immense success among the patients leads to surprising and hilarious results.

Hysteria smartly explores an era where science, superstition, and societal norms intersected. It strips away the austerity associated with the Victorian era, revealing a time that was as rife with progress, struggle, and hilarity as any other. The film cleverly blends fact and fiction, creating an interesting narrative that sheds light on gender disparities and societal norms during Victorian times.

Hugh Dancy and Maggie Gyllenhaal deliver impressive performances. Dancy, as Dr. Granville, impeccably captures the character's innocence, ambition, and confusion. He brilliantly impersonates a young man trying to make sense of contradicting philosophies and principles prevalent in the society of his time. Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Charlotte is powerful and memorable. Her headstrong and rebellious nature strongly contrast the inhibitions of a time when women were expected to conform to certain societal norms and restrictions.

The chemistry between the two leads is sweet yet loaded with an undertone of defiance, giving the audience a unique romantic comedy. Their relationship doesn't only serve as the catalyst for a love story. It’s also instrumental in highlighting the sociopolitical issues of the time, such as women's emancipation.

Overall, Hysteria is a delightful mix of history, humor, and romance. It's a charming film that smoothly balances grave themes with an undercurrent of light-hearted comedy. The performances of all the actors, along with the precise direction of Tanya Wexler, create a delightful narrative that keeps the audience engaged until the very end. With its stellar cast, witty dialogue, and a fascinating dive into a unique piece of history, Hysteria is truly a standout film.