A Dangerous Method

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This historical drama film is based off Christopher Hampton's 2002 stageplay The Talking Cure, and off the 1993 book A Most Dangerous Method: The Story of Jung, Freud, and Sabina Spielrein. This story begins during the eve of World War I. Sabina Spielrein was a mentally ill patient sent to Carl Jung for treatment. This sets of a series of unexpected events that allows for Jung to met Sigmund Freud, become romantically entangled with Spielrein, and open

This film was directed by David Cronenberg. This film is taken from actual historical accounts with the three characters. I can't say how truthful it is to history, but either way this led to the birth of psychoanalysis (or treatment through talking). The film does rush through moments in history, but the growing relationships is present. The script is spoken through psychological arguments between the characters. It can be hard to keep up with the language if you're not used to it. The unusual relationship between Spielrein and Jung is shown through the film, and it kind of seems random in this particular setting. The world was constrained by highly conservative ideas, and the bondage relationship is highly out of place. A lot of the film is very subtle in acting, story, and in everything else. All the intensity of characters relationships is kept within the constraints of the time. There ins't much middle ground of when Spielrein is insane to when she become fairly sane. There also is very limited information between Spielrein and Freud's collegial relationship. I wouldn't recommend this film for children. 

The acting was good. I was surprised that this film's primary cast was re-casted because of some scheduling conflicts. Michael Fassbender played the role of Carl Jung. He was good at creating the character who was having trouble facing his own inner problems. His inner problems kept him from freedom, and Fassbender did a great job in creating this character. He kept a lot of the character subtle, and it made him believable. Keira Knightley played the role Sabina Spielrein. She was great at portraying the physical insanity of the character (even if it did look like her jaw was unhinged most of the time). She did great transforming the character through the course of the film. Viggo Mortensen played the role of Sigmund Freud. I was greatly surprised by his performance. He had the presence of a master who could read your every thought. He also lessened his twang, so that it was nearly gone. He transformed himself to better become the character. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great film, with a lot of great story. It can easily get lost in its psychoanalytical script, but adds to the feel of the film. A lot of it is strange, but it works out well. 

Answer to last blog: Gary Ross also directed the film Pleasantville, as well as the Hunger Games. 

Que: What other film has director David Cronenberg and actor Viggo Mortensen worked together on?

Lord of the Flies

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