Sunday 7 October 2012

Hysteria

Mini Review

I saw this as a favour to a friend with a rather large crush on Hugh Dancy. She needed morale support at this tough time and I was more than happy to oblige. Especially when I learned that the film also featured Maggie Gyllenhaal (my sister in law to be).

The film tells the story of the invention of the vibrator. So it's not your every day film. However, titters aside, this is a very well told tale and features a wealth of wonderful performances. Dancy makes a dashing lead as Mortimer Granville, the doctor who unwittingly discovers another use for his friend's electric feather duster, and he sparks well with Gyllenhaal, who it's worth noting, delivers a faultless english accent. Felicity Jones, who I loved in Like Crazy, isn't at her best here but provides able support. She is somewhat outshone by Jonathan Pryce and Rupert Everett who are both superb in their respective roles as Granville's employer and inventor of aforementioned electric feather duster. For me however, the performance that really stood out belonged to Sheridan Smith. She steals every scene she's in and I found her character's interactions with Granville made the film a complete joy.

Hysteria's only got a limited UK release so if it's showing near you don't be embarrassed, find out how that little gizmo in most ladies bedside tables first came about (no pun intended), and show your support of a well made, enjoyable british rom com. You won't regret it. 8 out of 10.


Viewing Date - 28th September 2012
UK Release Date - 21st September 2012

Cast Overview:
Hugh Dancy ~ Mortimer Granville
Maggie Gyllenhaal ~ Charlotte Dalrymple
Jonathan Pryce ~ Dr Robert Dalrymple
Felicity Jones ~ Emily Dalrymple
Rupert Everett ~ Edmund St John-Smythe
Ashley Jensen ~ Fannie
Sheridan Smith ~ Molly
Gemma Jones ~ Lady St John-Smythe

Director ~ Tanya Wexler
Writer(s) ~ Stephen Dyer (Screenplay and Story), Jonah Lisa Dyer (Screenplay and Story) and Howard Gensler (Original Story)

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