A Dangerous Method

So, let’s sum it up. What we have here is a movie where the main parts are Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. And on top of that we have this crazy girl, who had won a windfall in her life and is now making up for it with sexual deviation. The setting – both Zurich and Vienna – is more than nice. And last but not least, there is a cast of actors in which one is better than the other. Judge for yourselves: Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley or Vincent Cassel. That’s quite a cast of actors, isn’t it? But David Cronenberg lays it on you in the first minute that you immediately have to stop and think about whether Keira is serious about acting or whether she should maybe call it quits after this film and disappear into another area of art. And then you also realize that even though Jung and Freud are quite interesting characters from history, you will be so bored with them that even your ninety-year-old grandma whose only hobby is to feed her chickens twice a day could not be more dull. I’d been looking forward to an interesting premise and what I got was utter disappointment in all respects. At first sight, it’s such an interesting movie, but at second sight you won’t believe it a corner of the street in Vienna, let alone Zurich. (01/30/2017)

Art Nouveau pure filmmaking about dirty things inside a person. A comprehensive network of relationships man vs. woman, father vs. son, Freudianism vs. Jungianism - yet very simple and accessible... Masterful direction, the breathtaking Mortensen, precise Fassbender and surprisingly demonic Keira Knightley (probably in the role of her life). And a script with dialogues so brisk, funny and intelligent that I consider this film to be one of the top experiences of recent months. (01/13/2012)

David Cronenberg is known for often dealing with human sexuality in his films. However, in this case, he approaches this topic not as explicitly as in his older works, but rather dissects it quite professionally and focuses mainly on the psychological aspect of this matter. I have never been particularly interested in Freud or Jung, so I am not familiar with their work and references in detail, so I have no choice but to fully trust Cronenberg in what I have learned about these two personalities through his film. The topic is more than interesting, but I had to pay close attention while watching so as not to miss anything. Practically the whole film is just dialogue, so I sometimes got a bit lost in the conversations, which was also due to the fact that they were often conducted in a more complex and professional language, but I managed. At least I learned a few new English expressions and words, which is always useful. I was absolutely captivated by the directorial precision, beautiful interiors, and the gorgeous setting in which the story unfolds. Overall, visually the film is very impressive. In this aspect, Cronenberg is an absolute extra class. Even in terms of acting, I have nothing to criticize. Fassbender confirmed that he is among the best actors of today, and the others, led by Keira Knightley and Viggo Mortensen, were brilliant. However, despite all the positives, A Dangerous Method is a film that is difficult for me to grasp. If I were more interested in psychoanalysis and analytical psychology, I would definitely appreciate it much more. As it is, it is a quality film for me, which has enriched me in an interesting way, but it has not deeply affected or appealed to me. (05/18/2018)

A superb Cronenberg exercise in conversation. The onerous theme of psychology and sexuality is supported by excellent acting performances. Keira’s transformations are brilliant and both Fassbender and Mortensen (constantly chewing that cigar) enjoy their dialog sequences. Detachment and cold comments on the issue is appropriate for scientific research and the even the very smallest expression of emotion is punished by the destruction of the afflicted characters. (02/26/2012)

Sinfully unexciting. Formally, A Dangerous Method is a film with very little to reproach, and it will probably delight film theorists, but I’d be lying to myself if I gave it a higher rating. I just didn’t like it, I didn’t find it interesting in the least and the idea of having to watch it again is pretty terrifying. Cronenberg’s old perversion and subversiveness have disappeared under a ton of academically precise make-up, and now just bubble peacefully deep beneath the surface. And looking for it is not fun. (01/29/2012)