Watch A Dangerous Method

In 2011, director David Cronenberg brought to the big screen the historical drama film "A Dangerous Method". The film stars three great actors Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, and Viggo Mortensen. It is based on the non-fiction book "A Most Dangerous Method: The Story of Jung, Freud, and Sabina Spielrein" by John Kerr. The movie is set in the early 1900s and follows the lives of Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen), and Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley). Jung is a young psychiatrist who is interested in Freud's theories on psychoanalysis. His fascination leads him to travel to Vienna to meet Freud.

In Vienna, Jung starts his training with Freud and develops a friendship with him. Freud, who has returned from Paris with his new protégé Carl, begins to mentor and teach him about psychoanalysis. But as time goes on, Jung begins to diverge from Freud's theories, and they both part on bad terms.

The movie then shifts its focus to Sabina Spielrein, who is a patient of Dr. Jung. She suffers from hysteria, and upon arriving at the clinic, is subjected to a series of unconventional treatment methods. Jung uses a new technique, called "the talking cure", which involves allowing his patients to speak freely about their traumas, dreams, and desires. As a result, Sabina begins to open up about her past and experiences.

As Sabina's treatment continues, she and Jung develop a romantic relationship that would change their lives irreversibly. Jung becomes obsessed with her and starts to develop theories that are inspired by her experience, which later leads to his breakaway from Freud.

The film explores complex issues of personal and professional ambition, psychological theories and practice, morality, and relationships. It also highlights the societal expectations, pressures, and stigma directed towards women in the early 20th century.

Keira Knightley delivers a powerful performance as Sabina Spielrein, displaying immense emotional vulnerability and showing her character's transformation from a traumatized and angry patient to an accomplished psychoanalyst. Michael Fassbender, on the other hand, is incredibly nuanced in his portrayal of Carl Jung, conveying both his ambition and intellectual curiosity, as well as his flaws as a husband and a therapist.

Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of Freud is one of the high points of the movie. He delivers an excellent performance, portraying Freud as witty, intelligent, and fiercely protective of his theories. Mortensen adds depth to a character that can often be seen as one-dimensional.

The cinematography of "A Dangerous Method" is outstanding, with the use of color and lighting effectively reflecting the characters' states of mind. The background score by Howard Shore is equally remarkable, elevating the emotional intensity of each scene.

In conclusion, "A Dangerous Method" is a thought-provoking film that explores the nexus of passion, psychology, and theories. The movie is a must-watch for those interested in the history of psychoanalysis and the influential figures behind it. It raises profound questions about the motivations and limitations of the human psyche, leaving the audience with much to ponder after watching it.

A Dangerous Method is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 76.