A Dangerous Method

A superb Cronenberg exercise in conversation. The onerous theme of psychology and sexuality is supported by excellent acting performances. Keira’s transformations are brilliant and both Fassbender and Mortensen (constantly chewing that cigar) enjoy their dialog sequences. Detachment and cold comments on the issue is appropriate for scientific research and the even the very smallest expression of emotion is punished by the destruction of the afflicted characters. (26/02/2012)

Cronenberg gives a brief insight into the core ideas of Freud and his pupil Jung in an audience-friendly and simple form, which is a rare and welcome gift compared to complexly worded lectures on psychoanalysis or literary scholarly attempts to interpret their work. Yet, thanks to the breathtaking performances of all three leading characters and the masterfully written dialogues that often provide a hidden point, I find Cronenberg's film also attractive for the audience. (06/02/2012)

I would expect some wild in the form of decapitated heads or at least explicit sexual creations from David Cronenberg, but there is nothing like that in this film. Well, there is a certain effort towards the latter, but it's more of an artistic walk around it rather than something happening. So, as viewers, we're left with nothing else but to rely on the superb performances, the sensitive film aesthetics, the excellent period setting, and exceptionally well-handled psychology, skillfully transferred onto the big screen. When philosophical debates don't come across as boring or complicated, but quite the opposite, and they even have some pretty excellent points. It's just that the whole thing feels a bit cold and too overly contrived. (15/12/2013)

David Cronenberg is known for often dealing with human sexuality in his films. However, in this case, he approaches this topic not as explicitly as in his older works, but rather dissects it quite professionally and focuses mainly on the psychological aspect of this matter. I have never been particularly interested in Freud or Jung, so I am not familiar with their work and references in detail, so I have no choice but to fully trust Cronenberg in what I have learned about these two personalities through his film. The topic is more than interesting, but I had to pay close attention while watching so as not to miss anything. Practically the whole film is just dialogue, so I sometimes got a bit lost in the conversations, which was also due to the fact that they were often conducted in a more complex and professional language, but I managed. At least I learned a few new English expressions and words, which is always useful. I was absolutely captivated by the directorial precision, beautiful interiors, and the gorgeous setting in which the story unfolds. Overall, visually the film is very impressive. In this aspect, Cronenberg is an absolute extra class. Even in terms of acting, I have nothing to criticize. Fassbender confirmed that he is among the best actors of today, and the others, led by Keira Knightley and Viggo Mortensen, were brilliant. However, despite all the positives, A Dangerous Method is a film that is difficult for me to grasp. If I were more interested in psychoanalysis and analytical psychology, I would definitely appreciate it much more. As it is, it is a quality film for me, which has enriched me in an interesting way, but it has not deeply affected or appealed to me. (18/05/2018)

So, let’s sum it up. What we have here is a movie where the main parts are Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. And on top of that we have this crazy girl, who had won a windfall in her life and is now making up for it with sexual deviation. The setting – both Zurich and Vienna – is more than nice. And last but not least, there is a cast of actors in which one is better than the other. Judge for yourselves: Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley or Vincent Cassel. That’s quite a cast of actors, isn’t it? But David Cronenberg lays it on you in the first minute that you immediately have to stop and think about whether Keira is serious about acting or whether she should maybe call it quits after this film and disappear into another area of art. And then you also realize that even though Jung and Freud are quite interesting characters from history, you will be so bored with them that even your ninety-year-old grandma whose only hobby is to feed her chickens twice a day could not be more dull. I’d been looking forward to an interesting premise and what I got was utter disappointment in all respects. At first sight, it’s such an interesting movie, but at second sight you won’t believe it a corner of the street in Vienna, let alone Zurich. (30/01/2017)