A Dangerous Method (2011)

If David Cronenberg's name wasn't in the opening credits under "Director," it would only take someone who has seen one of the Canadian director's other films approximately two minutes of screen time to credit him with the direction of the film. Cronenberg, whose previous works include Videodrome, The Fly and A History of Violence, takes a serious look at the relationship between Freud and Jung in his latest film, A Dangerous Method.

The film tells the story of Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud and Sabina Spielrein, the neurotic European trio who gave rise to the concept of psychoanalysis. A Dangerous Method opens with Spielrein, a hysterical Russian woman, being forcibly handed over to the care of Jung in the hopes that he can cure her psychological problems. Through the use of Freud's "talking cure," Jung discovers the root of Spielrein's troubles and eventually cures her. Soon after, Spielrein begins training to become a doctor herself while Jung travels from his home in Zurich, Switzerland to Vienna, Austria to meet with his idol, Sigmund Freud. When Freud and Jung begin to clash over their views on psychoanalysis and Spielrein begins a torrid affair with Jung, the relationships crumble, but a revolutionary method of treatment is perfected.

The cast of A Dangerous Method was chosen perfectly for their portrayals of some of the 20th century's most eccentric yet brilliant minds. Michael Fassbender steps into the role of Carl Jung, and plays out his complex relationship with his mentor Freud in an intriguing and engaging manner. Fassbender consistently displays incredible charisma on screen and makes every second spent watching him enjoyable.

Viggo Mortensen, a Cronenberg alum who starred in A History of Violence and Eastern Promises, fills the very large shoes of revolutionary mind Sigmund Freud. Mortensen is one of those rare actors who can bring to life so many different characters in such distinctive ways that you can only imagine him as the character he is currently playing and no other.

Rounding out the neurotic trio is Keira Knightley as Ms. Spielrein. Although Knightley's accent in the film is more than a little irritating, she does an outstanding job of bringing to life such a complex and deeply troubled yet strong woman.

There is something about A Dangerous Method that has David Cronenberg written all over it. It could be the unfaltering fixation on the sexual aspects of Freud and Jung's story. It could also be the overt violence found in a few brief scenes. What truly speaks to the director and his distinction in filmmaking though is the very essence of Cronenberg; his cinematic style, the way in which he tells a story on screen, and the way in which viewing his films makes the audience feel.

A Dangerous Method is a dark look into a group of brilliant minds and is a thoroughly entertaining film to watch. A word of warning, though; if Cronenberg isn't your thing, you probably won't find much to like about this film.

Rating: 4 out of 5