A Dangerous Method (2011)
Certified: 18
Duration: 94 minutes
Directed by: David Cronenberg
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, Vincent Cassel, Sarah Gadon, Andre Hennicke
KRS release

In this German-Canadian production, Keira Knightley plays Sabina Spielrein, a young woman in the early 20th century who undergoes therapy by psychiatrist Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender).

...a journey to the centre of the mind with all the mysteries, shades and challenges that this entails- Johan Galea

Jung is married to the wealthy Emma (Sarah Gadon) who is expecting his child.

Jung is developing the styles of talking therapy that his role model Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) had created but not put into practice.

Even though the two have yet to meet, Jung is very much in awe of Freud.

Meanwhile, Sabina is in hysterics as she tries to control the guilt triggered by her childhood experiences which are affecting her sexuality.

After Sabina’s condition improves, she ends up assisting Jung in his work.

Jung and Freud eventually develop a working relationship: The two have their differences but Freud sees Jung as his student protégé.

So much so that when Otto Gross (Vincent Cassel), a psychiatrist with deep problems, approaches Freud for help, he sends him to Jung.

Otto’s life is controlled by his urges which affect Jung to the extent of letting his emotions run free.

This leads to him having an affair with Sabina. Jung ends up changing his views on patients, therapy techniques and even his opinion of Freud.

David Cronenberg is one of the few maverick directors still plying his trade. His films like Crash, Scanner, Videodrome and The Fly have all delved into the deep mysteries of the mind. Like most of his productions, these have all been presented with a line of violence.

This time around he takes on a true story, abandoning the physical violence in favour of a journey to the centre of the mind with all the mysteries, shades and challenges that this entails.

The result is an enthralling film about the flailing conditions of the human mind and the frailties of being human.

Anyone who has an interest in psychology should not miss this film as it takes us into such an important and groundbreaking time frame in the field.

Fans of demanding films should find A Dangerous Method compulsive viewing.

Mr Cronenberg directs with a sense of clarity and a sure hand that is very much the film’s trademark.

He delivers a very accessible film that lets us observe this group of highly intelligent people interact and ultimately manipulate each other.

At the film’s core is the relationship struck between Jung and Sabina, a relationship that is not solely physical but also intellectual.

Visually, the film produces a clear and noticeable contrast as the camera shifts from the polished views of the film’s external set pieces to the darkness and shades of grey in the characters’ minds and their motives.

It is almost as if Mr Cronenberg were nailing in the message that we should never trust what is on the surface as there is the possibility of the underlying truth being totally different.

This is Viggo Mortensen’s third film with Mr Cronenberg and he delivers a very persuasive performance.

Michael Fassbender is also captivating even though it is Ms Knightley’s presence and onscreen vitality that has the most long-lasting impression.

Refined and cultured, this film aims for perfection in its poise; it is an invitation to the audience to peel away and see what lies under this dangerous method.

The film is also interesting from a historical point of view as it gives us the chance to look at and observe three of the minds that shaped the way we think, interact and ultimately how we look and consequently heal ourselves.