In the recently released film “Hysteria,” directed by Tanya Wexler and starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Darcy, the invention of the vibrator as a successful medical tool is explored as a humorous and charming romantic comedy. Set in London in the 1880s amid the conventional Victorian mindset, the story unfolds of two maverick doctors who effectively cure “female hysteria” with their brilliant invention of the predecessor to the modern electric vibrators .
Hugh Darcy stars as the ingenious young doctor Mortimer Granville whose forward-thinking methods are put to use after meeting a prominent specialist in women’s medicine. Dr. Robert Dalrymple, played by Jonathan Pryce, has developed a manual method for treating female hysteria, but the mysterious and elusive psychiatric problem is so widespread that trying to ease the suffering of its many victims is exhausting the poor doctors.
With the help of a friend who has a flair for mechanics and a love of electricity, the talented physicians develop a device that sends the grateful female patients into frenzied bliss– the vibrator. This machine is touted as a medical device to stimulate the nervous system; it proves itself as a cure for extreme cases of female hysteria.
Felicity Jones and Maggie Gyllenhaal co-star as Dr. Daldrymple’s daughters who each play their own special roles in the influence of the young Granville’s work. In addition to a widespread epidemic of carnal pleasure, the vibrator gives a sense of independence and liberation to Victorian women that spark talk of social revolution.
“Hysteria” is based on a true story. In the 19th century, “female hysteria” was a commonly known condition within the medical community. Females afflicted with this so-called condition suffered a great variety of vague symptoms such as irritability, shortness of breath, bloating, muscle spasm and insomnia. We now understand that this condition was just the manifestation of sexual frustration. The physician’s “cure” came in the form of induced “hysterical paroxysm” which is what we now commonly call an orgasm.
The electric vibrator, as well as many other sexual aids, is considered mainstream now. It is a popular staple available in various shapes and sizes through a multitude of adult toy retailers. It is also still sold as a medical device. Although the myth and confusion concerning “female hysteria” is long gone, product descriptions in medical catalogues that sell vibrators still list them for medical use– despite the fact that their design clearly suggests otherwise.