Based on real events, A Dangerous Method explores the beginnings of psychoanalysis in Zurich and Vienna before the First World War by focussing on the tempestuous relationship between Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) and Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and specifically a certain Russian patient Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley), who is the catalyst for proceedings.
With an all-star cast directed by David Cronenberg, A Dangerous Method was highly anticipated by critics and fans alike. Unfortunately, the film does not live up to these expectations for many reasons.
Firstly, the film’s tone is confusing: considering the subject matter and the director, it is not nearly as dark as it could have been. The trailer promises an erotically charged film but these scenes are spread sparsely throughout with nothing new added.
Secondly, the story is perplexing. It never really portrays the true intelligence of its main protagonists, instead choosing to simplify psychoanalysis to make it accessible for its intended audience. Who this intended audience is, however, is a mystery: A Dangerous Method falls uncomfortably between a mainstream Hollywood film and an arthouse Cronenberg film.
The meandering plot is another issue. The film opens straight into the most dramatic scene and then continues at a plateau without ever really peaking.
For all the negatives there are some positives. These fall mainly with the great acting from the three main cast members as well as the supporting cast: Vincent Cassel in particular is excellent as Otto Gross, a debauched doctor with a unique take on doctor-patient relations. He becomes Jung’s patient and is extremely influential on his decisions. Keira Knightley’s portrayal of a deranged patient with the ambition to be a doctor herself is passionate and involved. Much maligned by critics, Knightley uses her physicality to emphasise the madness and successfully streamlines this into a restrained but still notably troubled young woman later on. Viggo Mortensen is sublime as a sardonic Freud, adding some much needed comic elements to what otherwise could have been quite a stale film and Michael Fassbender portrays an ambitious yet not self-assured Jung who is increasingly open-minded compared to the rigid Freud.
Howard Shore’s incredibly powerful recurring musical motif, which stirs up emotions and adds a sense of excitement, offers a glimpse into what the film could have been.
The costume design by Denise Cronenberg is also a highlight and James McAteer’s production design acts as a visual metaphor to the differing characters of the two doctors, showing minute and varied details in their offices.
Peter Suschitzky’s cinematography is a credit with bright landscape shots of the cities contrasting with the stark small confines of the hospital and the book-laden offices. The film captures the spirit of an uncertain yet exciting era, with the shadow of imminent war casting an element of threat throughout.
A Dangerous Method never fully realises its potential, and it left me feeling extremely unsatisfied. Having seen it twice now I am still confused by its tone and approach: despite fantastic acting, the film is let down by the writer and director. David Cronenberg is an extremely accomplished director with a distinctive style: while there are some beautiful shots which give a glimpse of the master at work, it feels like he was too restrained with this offering.
The DVD contains a satisfying making of and a good audio commentary by the director.
Analyse A Dangeous Method on DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital Download from 25th June 2012.
Director: David Cronenberg
Writer: Christopher Hampton (screenplay)
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Viggo Mortensen, Keira Knightley and Vincent Cassel
Runtime: 99 mins
Country: UK, Germany, Canada, Switzerland
Film Rating: 
