Review: ‘A Dangerous Method’ and the Audience Split

Now playing in select theaters

David Cronenberg moves out of his element in his newest effort, “A Dangerous Method.” It was written by Christopher Hampton (“Atonement,” “Dangerous Liaisons”) which he adapted into the screenplay from John Kerr’s book, A Most Dangerous Method, as well as his own play based on the book – The Talking Cure. The film takes a look at the complex relationship between Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) and Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) as well as a patient named Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley). The film dramatizes the rumor of Jung and Spielrein’s sexual relationship which gives it a bit of the “hollywoodized” treatment. The end result of this biographical drama: the creation of psychoanalysis.

All of the principal actors give great performances, as well as Vincent Cassel (“Black Swan”) in a supporting role. Keira Knightley and Viggo Mortensen give noteworthy performances compared to the rest of the cast, keeping it interesting for the film’s duration. The film takes place over a number of years in the early 20th Century at locations from Switzerland to Vienna, following its main characters to tell the story. The film is an interesting character study for Jung, who struggles with his lust for Spielrein while married – leading to the notion of sexuality leading to destruction. On the other hand, Cassel’s character Otto Gross, tells Jung to live life and do whatever it is that the body desires.

The film uses a lot of “split diopter” shots, which splits the frame into two halves of one shot – leaving one subject in a close up and the other far away. Beautiful cinematography and landscapes give the film a sense of high art, bringing to mind masterpieces by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Georges Seurat. The score is also pleasant and fitting of the subject matter, with editing that is commendable.

The film also grasps the pessimistic nature that Sigmund Freud was known to have toward humanity. This leads the way to Mortensen’s interesting performance (and second Golden Globe nomination) which is indeed very different than his other roles. The film is good on its own without having been aware of the book or play on which the screenplay was based, but those who are familiar with them might find it disappointing. That is what divides audiences over seeing “A Dangerous Method,” plus the fact that the story may not be completely true – getting blown out of proportion from rumors that psychology enthusiasts might find disagreeable. All in all, the film has worthy performances and techniques that still make it a fair watch.

“A Dangerous Method” is now playing in select theaters.