Review of A Dangerous Method (2011) by Lisa W — 27 Mar 2012

I wouldn't put A Dangerous Method at the top of my list of fav. Cronenberg films, but it's still a pretty good movie. Viggo does this amazing thing with his eyes that made me completely forget I was watching Viggo being Freud.

And Ms. Knightly definitely plays the hysteric to a tee. Her performance is very sexual, which is kind of amazing considering that since she has become a Hollywood anorexic, I don't see anything sexy about her.

But she manages to portray her simmering sexuality, her desire, very effectively. For the direction, it is incredibly restrained for Cronenberg, and beautifully crafted. As a former Psych minor, I find the subject of the film fascinating, but I can see where someone who doesn't share my interest might find the dialogue a bit dry and boring.

In any case, I would probably give this one 3 1/2 or 4 stars. I kind of wish Cronenberg would make a nice, sticky, gross sci fi film again. But he has proven his range here, even if the result is not entirely satisfying.