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Mesmer

Play trailer Mesmer 1994 1h 47m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 3 Reviews 57% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
In the 18th century, when leeches and other forms of forced bloodletting are still cutting-edge medical science, Austrian doctor Franz Anton Mesmer (Alan Rickman) believes he has a better way. His theory involves the use of magnets and an early form of hypnosis. Though hugely controversial, his techniques begin to gain public acceptance when celebrated pianist Maria Theresa Paradies (Amanda Ooms) becomes a devoted patient and the doctor leaves his native Vienna for Paris.

Critics Reviews

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Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 2/5 Sep 26, 2005 Full Review Christopher Null Filmcritic.com Rated: 2/5 May 3, 2001 Full Review Christabel Padmore Apollo Guide Rated: 65/100 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Could have been a really good movie. But just the way it looks like a cheap 90's romance tv series. Kills it. The rest is fine I guess but the cinematography. Just uff. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member The half a star is strictly for Alan Rickman of course. The rest of the movie was garbage. I was disturbed by the sexual assault of the two women that was barely addressed. And for a biopic it barely talked about his life. It was quite disappointing and not worth a watch even if you like Alan Rickman. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Audience Member The worst costume drama I have ever seen. I give it one star for having Alan Rickman in it and his pre-Snape Snapeishness on display. It was the equivalent of watching a pretty paint mural dry while a starving group of creepy blind asylum escapees tries to feel their way across the wet wall of the newly painted mural and falling over each other screaming and crying and one of them hits their head and can see again but then can't and another thinks he's a doctor but isn't. That's about it really. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member The only reason to watch this is to listen to the sound of Rickman's voice, and watch him be sensual. The rest of it is boring and stupid. Also if you're going to watch it, turn the volume up a lot, because otherwise you wont hear a thing. Everyone is so annoying in this movie you just want to get a time machine and smack whoever was a real person. (Not sure if these were all real people in Mesmer's life or if they were created for the film.) Overall, this isn't a good movie although it is made well and based on a true story. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Talk about strange! It's listed unrated. I had to smile. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member Alan Rickman's outstanding performance makes this movie a fascinating if not mesmerizing biopic. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Mesmer

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the 18th century, when leeches and other forms of forced bloodletting are still cutting-edge medical science, Austrian doctor Franz Anton Mesmer (Alan Rickman) believes he has a better way. His theory involves the use of magnets and an early form of hypnosis. Though hugely controversial, his techniques begin to gain public acceptance when celebrated pianist Maria Theresa Paradies (Amanda Ooms) becomes a devoted patient and the doctor leaves his native Vienna for Paris.
Director
Roger Spottiswoode
Producer
Robert Goodale, Lance W. Reynolds, Wieland Schulz-Keil
Screenwriter
Dennis Potter
Production Co
Studio Babelsberg, Cineplex Odeon Films, Satel Film, Mayfair Entertainment International
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 47m
Sound Mix
Surround