A DANGEROUS METHOD

It's often said that people become psychiatrists in order to diagnose themselves, whether it be consciously or subconsciously. No truer words were spoken when it comes to the tale of the sordid triangle that are the parents of psychoanalysis. Dr Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) is at 'A Dangerous Method's' core - a true story of the rather unstable birth of psychoanalysis, as the resident doctor at a psychiatric institution who is in awe of the recent theories put forth by his idol, Dr Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen). Choosing to finally see these theories put into practice and substantiated, Dr Jung is presented with new patient Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley) - a highly disturbed, highly intelligent and sexually obsessed Russian woman (with a taste for spanking). Over time, Sabina is cured and in the process has developed a passion for the methods that saved her - including her doctor. Dr Jung and Sabina engage in an affair, as Jung and Freud also develop a strong friendship and professional partnership developing their theories and methods. But all good things must come to an end, and when dealing with this much passion, intelligence and ego, it can create a very potent and volatile mix. 

This tantalising look at human nature by the very people that helped define it is scintillating, salacious and utterly fascinating. We're privy to these people's most intimate dealings. We witness their highs and lows professionally and personally and everything in between as they discuss the black, white and gray matters of life. The parallels between the characters' theories and their personal lives go by completely blind to the characters themselves, which only contributes to the films endlessly engrossing subject matter.

The trio of outstanding actors is lead by current "it" guy Michael Fassbender, who also happens to be one of the most brave actors currently working - unfazed by the extra miles needed physically and emotionally to truly portray a character, or in this case, a real person. Mortensen brings his usual effortless virility, although an unexpected characteristic assigned to the epicurean Freud. However it's Knightley who steals the show. What initially starts as an overindulgent and excessive amount of girning, does in fact become a subtly layered and discerning performance worthy of its accolades. This is Knightly as you've never seen her before, adopting some of that courage shared by her co-star Fassbender. Knightley ensures that Elizabeth Bennet is well and truly dead.

A film for those endlessly fascinated by those creatures we call humans and the nature that makes them so. This is a look at history in the making, the very people behind it and what's in fact behind them... And of course, those who aren't afraid of getting a little kinky.