Mesmer (film)
Mesmer is a 1994 Austrian-Canadian-British-German biographical film directed by Roger Spottiswoode from a script by Dennis Potter. It stars Alan Rickman as Franz Anton Mesmer and depicts his radical new ways as a pioneering physician.
| Mesmer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Roger Spottiswoode |
| Produced by | Robert Goodale |
| Written by | Dennis Potter |
| Starring | Alan Rickman Donal Donnelly Amanda Ooms Simon McBurney |
| Music by | Michael Nyman |
| Cinematography | Elemér Ragályi |
| Edited by | Susan Shipton |
| Distributed by | First Look Studios Cineplex Odeon Films (Canada) |
Release date | August 25, 1994 |
Running time | 107 min. |
| Country | Austria, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany |
| Language | English |
| Budget | ~£5,600,000 |
Plot
In 18th century Vienna, Franz Anton Mesmer believes he is able to heal patients by drawing out something unique from inside his patients. However, the only ones who seem to have improvements are the young ladies he helps. His controversial methods and their consequences lead him to leave Vienna and head to Paris. However, once there, he takes advantage of his unique methods to provide entertainment, which he is censured for by other doctors.
Main cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Alan Rickman | Franz Anton Mesmer |
| Amanda Ooms | Maria Theresa Paradies |
| Donal Donnelly | Doctor |
| David Burke | Doctor |
| David Hemblen | Dr. Ingehousz |
| Simon McBurney | Franz |
| Gillian Barge | Frau Mesmer |
| Peter Dvorsky | Dr. Deslon |
| Anna Thalbach | Francisca |
| Flóra Kádár | The Afflicted |
Details
The movie was released on videocassette by First Look and in Canada in 1994 by Cineplex Odeon and MCA. In 2000, the movie was released on DVD by Image Entertainment, but has been discontinued since. As of January 3, 2010, there have been no plans made to release a new DVD.
This movie was shot in Vienna, Austria with the interior shots filmed at Esterházy Palace in Fertõd, Hungary.
Mesmer was released in August 1994 in Canada, at the Montréal World Film Festival.
Quotes
Franz Anton Mesmer: (with sarcasm) "Professor Doctor Stoerk, can I help you at all? I deal with most derangements, sir."
Awards
| Awards | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Award | Year | Award | Recipient | Result |
| Montréal World Film Festival | 1994 | Best Actor | Alan Rickman | Won |