Review of A Dangerous Method (2011) by Cameron B — 15 Jul 2012

Michael Fassbender should beware. Just as James McEvoy became disdained by association after he and Keira Knightley formed a deeply unsympathetic couple in â~Atonementâ(TM), so the Germano-Irishman could be damned for playing a part opposite the Teddington born star in this otherwise intriguing film.

For Knightleyâ(TM)s performance is so gurningly, diabolically annoying â" almost as much as that of Daniel Day Lewis in â~There will be Bloodâ(TM) - that it provides evidence for the immediate closure of all stage schools as well as the exhumation of Marlon Brandoâ(TM)s corpse for posthumous trial â" for if this is what method acting leads to, letâ(TM)s get back to woodenness.

Luckily for Viggo Mortensen, his role is largely untainted although Vincent Cassel also delivers a spectacularly over the top performance. The period detail and looming onset of the First World War are well delivered â" but oh for a better choice of casting and a little more restraint.