When a film starts with someone pulling strange faces, it can negatively influence the audience’s perception. David Cronenberg’s A DANGEROUS METHOD quickly proves this first impression wrong.
After the dodgy opening, the audience is introduced to the psychosis of Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley). Her case of masochistic sexual desire is being treated by Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), who is fascinated by the highly intelligent woman. The case gets him into contact with the master of psychoanalysis himself, Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen), with whom he begins an intellectual exchange that comes close to a father-son relationship. Set shortly before World War I, A DANGEROUS METHOD gives an interesting insight in the beginnings of psychoanalysis, the minds of intellectuals of the time and the relationship between Freud and Jung.
A DANGEROUS METHOD develops into a well-directed film with beautiful sets which give the impression of being inspired by paintings of George Seurat and Caspar David Friedrich. The colourful and mostly sunny scenery stands in contrast to the dark secrets of the narrators.
Great credit has to be given to Keira Knightley, who plays the troubled Spielrein very well…
The actors fit well in their roles – the deep thinking, slightly arrogant Freud; the serious Jung who seldom gives way to emotion, only in moments of total weakness. Great credit has to be given to Keira Knightley, who plays the troubled Spielrein very well and overcomes the first impression of a Jim Carrey like performance. In all of the characters, but mostly in hers, a great development can be seen throughout the film.
Cronenberg, known for his body horror films like SHIVERS (1975) and NAKED LUNCH (1991) and rather violent pieces like EASTERN PROMISES (2007), sets a different tone with his new film that mixes styles and genres. The strong sexual subject goes along with the history of psychoanalysis. Other scenes nevertheless surprise with well-placed dry humour and melodramatic elements. Those expecting a dark film with creepy tones will be disappointed. The artistic, highly stylised scenes aim to please the eye, and these longer scenes sometimes slow the film down a little, but it fits well for a historical drama.
All in all, Cronenberg sets a rather peaceful tone with A DANGEROUS METHOD compared to his quite violent previous pieces. This might disappoint some of his fans, but anyone interested in the development and history of psychoanalysis will surely enjoy the film.