"HYSTERIA" AT TIFF 2011

Tanya Wexler in Toronto - August 2011

Tanya Wexler does a fine job with her latest Feature, Hysteria, which had its TIFF 2011 Premiere last night at Roy Thomson Hall. The Rom-Com examines a backwards period in British History when Women unable to suppress their sexual urges were deemed to have Hysteria, which could have resulted in a Hysterectomy if left untreated.

Its Story follows Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy) and his failed attempts as a Physician, before being taken under the wings of Dr. Dalrymple (Jonathan Pryce) in treating Hysteria among Women. Along the way, Mortimer meets both Dr. Dalrymple`s Daughters, the outspoken yet charitable Charlotte (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and also, a complacent Emily (Felicity Jones).  After the demand for Mortimer`s treatments exceed his capabilities, he directs his focus towards producing a device which would forever change the way Women view their own Sexuality; known eventually as the Vibrator.

Hysteria is absolutely brilliant and funny and despite having yet to find distribution out of TIFF for North America, it is quite possible that a market does exist for a Movie as such.  Gyllenhaal is ferocious as a fiery seeker of Justice, playing off of Dancy's  stiff-lipped charms, at once compromising her relationship with her disapproving Father. Dancy is pitch-perfect, as is relative newcomer Jones. Definitely a must-see.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)