A Dangerous Method, David Cronenberg (Dir.)

A Dangerous Method is David Cronenberg’s first effort at the historical biopic, and it’s certainly a step away from the type of films for which he is predominantly known (The Fly or Shivers for example) – he is after all the 'Baron of Blood'. Nonetheless, having worked along a less obscure line with his more recent releases (eXistenZ, Eastern Promises) and with a cast and crew he is familiar with, Cronenberg has a solid platform on which to furry into the realm of period drama.

Viggo Mortensen, who plays the iconic Sigmund Freud and was Cronenberg’s lead in Eastern Promises, is not an obvious choice for the role – in fact he admits his first thoughts when offered the role concerned his lack of a beard – yet he pulls it off quite successfully. In contrast with the stern figure we see in most photographs of Freud, Mortensen portrays a man who despite his intellectual prowess is modest, generous and surprisingly witty. In Carl Jung (played by the omni-present Michael Fassbender), on the other hand, we see a man who takes a more restrained approach to his work. Fassbender’s performance, like Mortensen’s, is a convincing one; particularly so as we watch him become convinced by the arguments of Freud’s former patient Otto Gross (played by another former collaborator with Cronenberg, Vincent Cassel) against the restraint of one’s sexual desires. This leads to his inevitable affair with Sabina Spielreim (Kiera Knightley), a former patient whose interaction with both Freud and Jung leads to their eventual conflict. Knightley’s performance is certainly the most interesting one, and her role the most challenging without a doubt. Early scenes depicting her reaction to treatment can be rather uncomfortable to watch but there’s no denying that she’s gone out on a limb to convince us of her character’s condition. She may often be criticised for bringing nothing more to her performances than her natural beauty (and pouts), but Knightley’s performance here will surely persuade at least some critics that she can indeed act.

The performances on display from the three leads in particular are no doubt impressive; however whereas the acting succeeds the plot development struggles. Although the issues at hand are undeniably interesting, and will leave audiences with plenty to talk about, those looking for a moving or shocking story will find themselves disappointed. The affair between Jung and Spielreim is predictable, and while there is conflict between the two great psychoanalysts it is carried out rather politely. Much of the plot is developed via a correspondence of letters and, while this is true to the reality of Jung and Freud’s relationship, it does not leave much room for emotiveness or sentimentality.


For the most part A Dangerous Method is a great film; the locations are both stunning and accurate, the issues covered are engaging and the relatively small cast is an impressive one - with Fassbender and Knightley demonstrating why they are some of the most on-demand British talent at present. However, it is the story that lets it down. Quite simply, not a lot happens – at least, not a lot that you wouldn’t expect.  In my humble analysis, the film suffers as a result of what Freud would no doubt diagnose as repression; it lacks that extra bite that would allow it to be truly engrossing.


Etep
Images courtesy of: cinemaviewfinder.com, blogs.indiewire.com