A Dangerous Method

I would gladly play with Miss Spielrein and smoke a cigar with Freud, but I’d rather sit down by Lake Zurich than take a part in his long-winded dialogues with the malleable and indecisive Jung. Viggo Mortensen is great and the visual esthetics delicious, but there are no emotions. A film where mainstream stars recite phrases only a few viewers will understand. Compared to this, Polanski’s Bitter Moon was far more poetic and passionate in its testimony about the dark corners of human sexuality. (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)

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. (19/05/2018)

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)

Art Nouveau pure filmmaking about dirty things inside a person. A comprehensive network of relationships man vs. woman, father vs. son, Freudianism vs. Jungianism - yet very simple and accessible... Masterful direction, the breathtaking Mortensen, precise Fassbender and surprisingly demonic Keira Knightley (probably in the role of her life). And a script with dialogues so brisk, funny and intelligent that I consider this film to be one of the top experiences of recent months. (13/01/2012)