DVD Review – A Dangerous Method
In recent years Cronenberg has shied away from the body-horror that he is renowned for and his latest drama to be release on Blu-ray and DVD, A Dangerous Method continues this trend, but is it as gripping as his earlier films? Tom finds out…
A biographical drama on the lives of Sigmund Freud and Karl Jeung during the birth of psychoanalysis is bound to take a few liberties with the truth in order to provide the viewer with a more engrossing experience but this does not detract from what is an intriguing and compelling film. Cronenberg has worked with both Viggo Mortensen and Vincent Cassell before but adds Michael Fassbender and Keira Knightley into the mix in what has turned out to be an inspired casting decision.
The ever-changing relationships between Freud (Mortensen), Jung (Fassbender) and Spielrein (Knightley) is a fascinating triangle of deceit and discovery as the two doctors wrestle with each other’s ideas in an attempt to cure Spielrein of her psychological problems and fuel her ambitions to become a doctor. Vincent Cassell plays a brief but important role as Otto Goss, a patient of Jung’s who puts forward an alternative point of view which eventually leads to Jung crossing the boundary between his patients and his personal life.
Those unfamiliar with the background of psychoanalysis should still find the plot easy to follow as explanations are provided throughout with conversations between the two doctors often hinging around the rudimentary principles of the subject. It is not a topic I am overly familiar with but the plot was easy to follow despite the somewhat academic subject matter, and the gorgeous settings and incredible acting combined with the captivating story to create a unique vision that only Cronenberg could pull off so well.
Knightley’s performance is a spectacular display of her dedication to acting, with her portrayal of the tormented Spielrein proving she is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone to show the more fragile side of a human being. Fassbender and Mortensen are as compelling as ever, especially Fassbender as he struggles between holding together his ailing marriage and reaching for what he truly desires whilst looking for the support of his mentor and coming to blows over their conflicting beliefs.
A Dangerous Method cannot compare with Cronenberg’s classics but it is still a fascinating look at a subject that is rarely shown on film. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and the memorable performances will remain with you for some time but ardent Cronenberg fans may be disappointed that his trademark shot of a gun coming out of someone’s stomach does not make the cut. If you missed A Dangeous Method in cinemas then this release is the perfect opportunity to experience an intriguing drama by one of the most interesting directors out there.
About The Author – Tom Bielby
Long time film fan and aspiring film writer, Tom is a horror fanatic who wasted far too much time at University sitting through every film in the IMDB Top 250. He is partial to foreign films and cult cinema and would love to rid the world of people who rustle their popcorn during important scenes. He can be found on Twitter under the alias @filmbantha
Are you a fan of Cronenberg’s recent work or did you prefer it when his main focus was body horror? Let us know your thoughts below..
Tom Bielby
Not a fan of this at all. Knightley’s performance and her chin movements threw me out of the film. They may be historically correct; it still looks ridiculous. It’s not her fault though; Cronenberg instructed her to do this.
Mortensen is by far my favorite. On the whole it was a surprisingly un-remarkable piece of costume drama that didn’t stick wtih me.
I agree about Knightley, did her nipple slip put you off as well Jessica?
Whats wrong with nipple slip?
Haha nothing. Just put me off the seriousness of the film. Plus she early hasn’t got anything to slip. Hahaha but Julian you are so right. How the devil are you?
Good.Btw do you still check my blog?Cause i miss your comments
I must admit Julian I have been a little slack on that front. And for that I am truly sorry. I will pop over today!! And from this day forward…. hhehehe
Hi Jessica, I can see why A Dangerous Method isn’t for everyone but I really enjoyed Cronenberg’s direction. Knightley’s performance did appear OTT at first but I was quite impressed with what she brought to the role.
I am afraid I am with Jessica on this one matey!! This film did very little for me.
Great review though my friend
Thanks for the comment Scott, I’ll admit it is nowhere near the best of Cronenberg’s films but I still took a lot from it.
I found this one extremely in accessible. I feel like you have to be interested in the subject matter to really get something out of this, as i found the characters didn’t draw me in. Overall well made but very dry
It seems I am in a small minority of people who enjoyed this but I’m glad to see you appreciate it was well made.
I am kinda there with you Tom. I liked this film despite not being standard Cronenberg. The performances (esp. Cassel) made it for me.
Glad to see there was someone who enjoyed it! Cassel was great, and all of the actors were brilliant in their roles.
Fascinating subject, but uninspiring execution. I actually wish the film was based around Cassel’s character instead of Freud and Jung.
I thought Cronenberg’s execution was great, what did you feel A dangerous Method lacked that made it so uninspiring?
Cassel’s character was very interesting, and I would definitely enjoy watching more on him.
Not that interested in this one Rodney, too much psycho babble for my brain, ahah. Plus there’s that Keira again.
Sorry Ruth it is Tom’s review…. I know I have too many contributors now huh? Don’t know what you are getting. LOL
I take it you aren’t a big fan of Keira Knightley then Ruth?
I am not particularly fond of her but her performance in a dangerous method proves she is willing to take risks and that certainly impressed me.
While Fassbender and Mortensen made it believable and interesting, Knightley pulled down and added no depth. I think it was a hard character for her because she had so many things going on (the physical twitches, the accent – why?) that she somehow made the character unbelievable.
totally. It was hard to watch huh? But i am glad to see I am not the only one who had an issue with her in this. Are you a fan of her work in General Mettel?
Well, if she does the Pride & Prejudice type of roles.. Anna Karenina might become superb – no fake accent there! She suits that era.. I can’t even recall any movies of her’s I like where she isn’t in the 18th or 19th century.
Well, I do actually. But if general means Pride and Prejudice, Duchess and the upcoming and hopefully amazing Anna Karenina.. then, yes. I like her. Don’t really know any other role. I didn’t like her in “Never Let Me Go” .. but not like in TDH were her weaknesses were too loud on the screen.
I am with you on Never Let Me Go. I enjoyed the film greatly, but I detested her in it… But I guess she did have that kind of role HUH?
Did you see DOMINO? I know it isn’t a great film, but for some reason I thought she was OK in that one… I know right? I am weird.
I am off to see her in Seeking a Friend next Monday, I wonder if it will do anything for me…?
I haven’t seen Pride and Prejudice. I mainly stay away from that era and genre. Should I give it a go?
Seeking a Friends looks good, I mean it could be all about Carell and the story itself, which looks ridiculous but as awesome as the plot for The Invention of Lying” was.. hopefully Seeking a Friend has a better over-all movie.
Pride and Prejudice is a matter of subjective taste, I go for those era movies and I enjoy them a great deal no matter how good or bad they are. I was discussing it with a friend and we came to a conclusion, that me liking those movies, might mean I was born during that time in my past life.
I rarely recommend such specific movies.
Interesting thoughts Mettel.
I think I was born in the Prohibition days in USA as I would watch any film / tv show that is set in that era… even if it was utter rubbish. I think I will add P&P to my Lovefilm list… Do not worry I will not blame you if I hate it… much
JOKE
I am not sure if I can make it tonight to Seeking a Friend now… my cinema partner has pulled out and I always get nervous going on my own HAHAH
Nice. Double comment. But at least they are different!
HEHE Yes indeed they were…. I do that all the time. I think you got away with it though
I was accidentally awesome.
I really enjoyed this film — thought it was excellent. Still feel a little undecided on Knightly’s performance in it (was it too much, or just right?), but I really thought the performances by Fassbender and Mortensen were right on.
Hey Kristin, good to see that someone is on my wavelength, we seem to be in the minority here! Have you seen Mortensen in any of his other collaborations with David Cronenberg?