Movie Marketing You May Have Missed: Trailer for 'Hysteria'

Make no mistake, director Tanya Wexler's "Hysteria" is no stuffy old period piece, no matter how uptight the film's costumes look. The film is based the eye-opening true story of Dr. Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy), who came to invent an electromechanical device that became only the fifth electromechanical appliance to be patented. It is not what you think it is.

In the Victorian Era, it was common practice that women suffering from "hysteria" (which included a wealth of symptoms) were treated by way of "pelvic massage" by doctors. While those who participated in such procedures didn't see it as a sexual issue, the aim and conclusion of those massages was, to put it delicately, the same aim and conclusion as a sex act. You get my drift. 

Tasked with performing those procedures, young Dr. Granville eventually helped develop the first electromechanical vibrator. Given that, of course Wexler's ostensible biopic about his life (with some fudges) is on the light side - it's a naturally human and amusing topic. "Hysteria" centers on Granville's invention and his complicated love life, and its cast includes such talents as Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jonathan Pryce, Rupert Everett, and Felicity Jones. The film's latest trailer doesn't shy away from the film's subject matter, and quite effectively captures its fizzy tone.

"Hysteria" opens on May 18. Check out the film's trailer, over at Apple.