By Kate Rodger
Set in Victorian London, Hysteria follows poor Dr Mortimer Granville who is run off his feet providing "relief" for hysterical women everywhere.
It doesn’t take much to be called hysterical – a few mood swings and some unsatisfactory marital relations form the backborn of his practice – and before long it’s apparent he's going to need some help. Some portable, mechanical, massaging, help.
Brit Hugh Dancy does a pleasing job as Dr Mortimer. American Oscar-nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal does a better job of the mother tongue than many of her countrywomen, as the hot-headed upper class Charlotte, fiestily fighting for women's rights before her time.
Hysteria is an entirely inoffensive, light and tasty little romp round Victorian London which has been nicely cast and delivered.
It’s not going to win Oscars or blow anyone's hair back, but it certainly comes equipped with an easy capacity to gently bring its target audience to a satisfying cinematic conclusion.
Three stars.
Hysteria
:: Director: Tanya Wexler
:: Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy, Felicity Jones, Rupert Everett, Jonathan Pryce, Anna Chancellor, Gemma Jones, Tobias Menzies, Sheridan Smith, Kate Linder
:: Running Time: 100 mins
:: Rating: M - contains sexual references
:: Release Date: September 6, 2012
:: Trailer: Watch here
source: newshub archive
