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Mesmer

  • 19941994
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 47m
IMDb RATING
5.9/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Alan Rickman and Amanda Ooms in Mesmer (1994)
  • Biography
  • Drama
A biography of the eighteenth century Viennese physician, Franz Anton Mesmer, who used unorthodox healing practices based on his theory of "animal magnetism."A biography of the eighteenth century Viennese physician, Franz Anton Mesmer, who used unorthodox healing practices based on his theory of "animal magnetism."A biography of the eighteenth century Viennese physician, Franz Anton Mesmer, who used unorthodox healing practices based on his theory of "animal magnetism."
IMDb RATING
5.9/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Roger Spottiswoode
  • Writer
    • Dennis Potter
  • Stars
    • Donal Donnelly
    • David Burke
    • Peter Dvorsky
Top credits
  • Director
    • Roger Spottiswoode
  • Writer
    • Dennis Potter
  • Stars
    • Donal Donnelly
    • David Burke
    • Peter Dvorsky
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 15User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination

    Photos11

    Alan Rickman and Amanda Ooms in Mesmer (1994)
    Alan Rickman and Amanda Ooms in Mesmer (1994)
    Alan Rickman and Amanda Ooms in Mesmer (1994)
    Alan Rickman and Amanda Ooms in Mesmer (1994)
    Alan Rickman and Amanda Ooms in Mesmer (1994)
    Alan Rickman in Mesmer (1994)
    Alan Rickman in Mesmer (1994)
    Mesmer (1994)
    Mesmer (1994)
    Alan Rickman and Amanda Ooms in Mesmer (1994)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Donal Donnelly
    Donal Donnelly
    • Doctoras Doctor
    David Burke
    David Burke
    • Doctoras Doctor
    Peter Dvorsky
    Peter Dvorsky
    • Dr. Deslonas Dr. Deslon
    Alan Rickman
    Alan Rickman
    • Franz Anton Mesmeras Franz Anton Mesmer
    Anna Thalbach
    Anna Thalbach
    • Franciscaas Francisca
    David Hemblen
    David Hemblen
    • Dr. Ingehouszas Dr. Ingehousz
    Simon McBurney
    Simon McBurney
    • Franzas Franz
    Gillian Barge
    Gillian Barge
    • Frau Mesmeras Frau Mesmer
    István Szilágyi
    • Coachmanas Coachman
    János Gosztonyi
    • Footmanas Footman
    Heinz Trixner
    • Baron de Horkaas Baron de Horka
    Petra Koberl
    • Baroness de Horkaas Baroness de Horka
    Peter Janisch
    • Chancelloras Chancellor
    Caroline Holdaway
    • Felicityas Felicity
    Amanda Ooms
    Amanda Ooms
    • Maria Theresa Paradiesas Maria Theresa Paradies
    Jan Rubes
    Jan Rubes
    • Prof. Stoerkas Prof. Stoerk
    Martin Schwab
    • Herr Paradiesas Herr Paradies
    Dorothea Parton
    • Frau Paradiesas Frau Paradies
    • Director
      • Roger Spottiswoode
    • Writer
      • Dennis Potter
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit
    The 18th-century Viennese medical establishment is threatened by the radical yet successful healing methods of Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer. Blind pianist Maria Theresa Paradies, daughter of a well-to-do businessman, becomes Mesmer's patient after he calms her seizure at a concert. As the two are drawn into an intimate relationship, the situation is used as an excuse to banish Mesmer from Vienna. Undaunted, he moves on, becoming a court favorite in Paris. —Bhob Stewart <bhob@genie.com>
    • pianist
    • 1700s
    • mesmerism
    • blindness
    • independent film
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • Charlatan, Fraud... or Genius
    • Genres
      • Biography
      • Drama
    • Certificate
      • Not Rated
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Josh Hartnett isn't actually British!
    • Quotes

      Franz Anton Mesmer: [closing Francisca's eyelids] A little sleep, a little dream.

    • Connections
      Referenced in Honest Trailers: Die Hard (2015)

    User reviews15

    Review
    Top review
    7/10
    Yess...umm....well....(clears throat)...
    I saw this movie because I am deeply interested in Franz Anton Mesmer, and deeply interested in Alan Rickman. From a biased perspective, I want to give this movie a 10, however, I feel I need to be fair to the majority.

    As far as Alan Rickman; he as always, shines. If you are a fan of Alan Rickman, see this movie. He simply does not disappoint, EVER, in my opinion. He is one of those rare people who is just "odd" enough, to always be interesting..(coughs...and sexy..). It has been argued that Rickman can be "melodramatic", which is kind of an oxymoron being that he is an "actor", however in this case the script was poorly written. Sadly, Rickman was left with very cheesy lines, which come across "melodramatic" (so sorry)! If you are 14 year old, and going through puberty, it might "mesmerize" you....might.

    As far as the rest of the movie, I felt isolated from every character. I cannot quite pinpoint why this is. Was this the intention of the director? Somehow I think not...good excuse for him though.

    The movie seemed too short, and inconclusive. It just kind of ended, like never quite reaching climax while making love. Again, was this the directors intention? Doubt it.

    The editing was very odd, and choppy. It felt like I was watching a very long trailer, there was just something missing.

    Also, as mentioned by others, it is hard to hear some of Rickman's dialogue. I do not find this a flaw because it illustrates Mesmer's character and personality...however, turn your volume very high.

    If you are a fan of period films, and/or Rickman, watch the "eye candy." Otherwise you may be disappointed.
    helpful•20
    3
    • StregaNona
    • Jan 15, 2005

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 1994 (Canada)
    • Countries of origin
      • Austria
      • Canada
      • United Kingdom
      • Germany
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Месмер
    • Filming locations
      • Esterházy Palace, Fertõd, Hungary
    • Production companies
      • Accent Entertainment Corporation
      • Cineplex Odeon Films
      • Levergreen
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • £5,600,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 47 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby

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