Mesmer

Rating:
Summary: Mesmer
Review: I was, um, mesmerized, by this dreamy and stylish film... Actually, the softly-delivered and naturally-spoken lines add to the intimate feel of the film. All one has to do is pay attention, and most of the dialogue is quite understandable... Alan Rickman is the sexiest actor on any stage or screen. His silky, sultry, seductive voice is perfect for Mesmer. As Dr. Mesmer Alan Rickman radiates scads of "animal magnetism". This skilled actor gives a deep, thoughtful performance of his conflicted and unusual character; people who are used to one-dimensional characters and shallow acting just won't get the message. If you like interesting and slightly odd art films, Mesmer is for you. If you prefer TV and ordinary Hollywood pap, this film will probably confuse you.

Rating:
Summary: NOT Alan Rickman's best work
Review: Normally I enjoy Alan Rickman's work, and while he gave a decent performance, the movie itself was not worth watching. In several parts, some of the dialogue was not audible without turning the volume up so loud that the rest of the movie would have been blaring. The plot was stagnant for most of the film, and there was no resolution at the end - it wasn't just that there were some loose ends that were not tied up, but they didn't resolve a single issue of the whole film! Don't waste your time on this movie.

Rating:
Summary: NOT Alan Rickman's best work
Review: Normally I enjoy Alan Rickman's work, and while he gave a decent performance, the movie itself was not worth watching. In several parts, some of the dialogue was not audible without turning the volume up so loud that the rest of the movie would have been blaring. The plot was stagnant for most of the film, and there was no resolution at the end - it wasn't just that there were some loose ends that were not tied up, but they didn't resolve a single issue of the whole film! Don't waste your time on this movie.

Rating:
Summary: Mesmer
Review: This historical drama about Dr. Mesmer of Vienna (mesmerism) is only mildly rewarding, because it doesn't take a stand on the question: Was he a genius or a con man? It is frustrating to see several major events in his life played out, only to be left wondering....and not really caring. Maybe he was a misunderstood healer, ahead of his time. Or, maybe, he was a slick operator who tried to fool his clients. Unfortunately, this movie never resolves the question. Alan Rickman is terrific, as always, and I recommend this film to his fans.

Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing Story of Early Hypnosis!
Review: This is a fascinating movie for any student/practitioner of hypnosis or hypnotherapy. Alan Rickman is wonderful as Dr. Mesmer, the Austrian physician credited as the "Father of Hypnotism". Rickman captures the nuances of "waking" suggestion perfectly, using his voice and touch to produce trance state in his patients.(Eg. "Ladies, don't be surprised if you should swoon!") Particularly interesting is his experimental treatment of hysterical blindness which culminates in the accidental discovery that the "shock/surprise factor" is necessary to effect the desired healing. A lot of this is going to be missed by casual viewers who lack an understanding of hypnotism. But, Rickman plays a Mesmer who is, himself, struggling to understand the marvelous techniques he is discovering. His efforts fail at least as often as he succeeds. This makes him a sympathetic, if enigmatic character. Not a movie for the masses, but I loved it!

Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing Story of Early Hypnosis!
Review: This is a fascinating movie for any student/practitioner of hypnosis or hypnotherapy. Alan Rickman is wonderful as Dr. Mesmer, the Austrian physician credited as the "Father of Hypnotism". Rickman captures the nuances of "waking" suggestion perfectly, using his voice and touch to produce trance state in his patients.(Eg. "Ladies, don't be surprised if you should swoon!") Particularly interesting is his experimental treatment of hysterical blindness which culminates in the accidental discovery that the "shock/surprise factor" is necessary to effect the desired healing. A lot of this is going to be missed by casual viewers who lack an understanding of hypnotism. But, Rickman plays a Mesmer who is, himself, struggling to understand the marvelous techniques he is discovering. His efforts fail at least as often as he succeeds. This makes him a sympathetic, if enigmatic character. Not a movie for the masses, but I loved it!