: Hysteria
When I first heard of this movie, it sounded like pure gimmick. The subject matter is so salacious — it’s about the invention of the vibrator — what else could it be? But it turns out, it’s a terrific little movie.
The thing I hadn’t realized was when this story happened and the nature of the invention. It was in Victorian days, when electricity was new and rare, and medical knowledge was so limited that the concept of germs was considered radical. The film takes advantage of both of these details to create a subtle comedy. The invention is a medical device, designed for the treating of “hysteria,” a female malady with a multitude of symptoms, and the serious doctors involved fail to see the reality of what they’re doing. Their busy practice has lines of women out the door, all eager for their “treatment.”
The film is witty and clever, rarely saying anything directly, but implying and hinting, and though the topic of the film is of a sexual nature, you can barely tell because everything is couched in medical terms and Victorian modesty. (The most blatant thing that happens is two ducks in a pond going at it, and that is hilarious because of the stiff-necked blushing reactions of the watching human couple.)
Unfortunately, the film does resort to some stereotypical characters and Hollywood storyline. We have a ultra-modern liberal woman (brilliantly played by Maggie Gyllenhaal) who oh-so-gallantly rejects her posh lifestyle to run a shelter for the poor and a young idealistic doctor who believes in science and just wants to help people. Granted, the characters are very well done (except for one or two moments when Maggie’s character is year 2000 modern instead of 1900 modern), but the story still felt too predictable. Of course, in most comedies the plot is barely necessary, so this still works despite a few limitions. Ultimately, it’s a clever, fun movie, and surprisingly interesting.
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