Review of A Dangerous Method (2011) by Thanassis T — 09 Jun 2012

There is a hope that Director David Cronenberg doesn't turn Jung and Freud into the archetypes they define, and he definitely does not; its the farthest escape from his style that we've seen so far. It features great period performances from a new-rush of talent, Michael Fassbender, as Jung; along with a psychotic storm of a performance from Kiera Knightly and subdued acting from Viggo Mortenson as Freud.

The movie is pulsatingly human, intelligent, and entertaining. It involves a patient turned-affair between Jung and Sabina, and the anger and self-hatred that ensues after the affair; a sort of growth in Jung's own person, a feeling of lack of answers. Letters are sent conspicuously between Freud, Sabina, and Jung. The characters interweaving and much-known sensibilities pull the story forward, as well as the differentiation of thought between the two famous psychologists. Freud says at one point, as Jung and he dwell on a boat, that he had a dream. But when Jung asks him about it, he refuses to tell in fear it will diminish his authority (he usually is the one saying whats wrong). It reveals Freud's desire to make psychoanalysis legitimate by not following Jung's phenomenological theories, or fairy tails, which he felt would make psychoanalysis look unscientific.

The movie is brilliantly acted and wrongfully cut off from Oscar night. It is one my favorite of 2011. A deep intellectual study of psychological and sexual viewpoints, and an enchanting showcase for Knightley's dramatic talent.