David Cronenberg’s adaptation of Christopher Hamilton’s play The Talking Cure is a brief, objective exploration of the development of psychoanalysis. A Dangerous Method swiftly moves between times and locations to introduce us to the field and the lives of its experts. The professional and personal relationships of Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley) are the perfect model for the thought-provoking questions Cronenberg presents regarding Freudian theories of sexuality, as well as issues of freedom and professionalism within the field.

A Dangerous Method begins with Spielrein’s committal and therapy sessions with Jung, where she states, “I’m vile, filthy, corrupt!”, after admitting she found her father’s sexual and physical abuse arousing. The complexity of the situation is demonstrated by her academic and personal development. After an unusual on-off affair with Jung, whose disagreements with Freud are presented simultaneously, the film ends quietly with an exchange of goodbyes.

Its most interesting aspect is the discussion of issues even the informed viewer may have been unaware of. While everyone is somewhat versed in Freudian theories of sexuality, his debate with Jung about the effects of announcing new research on other fragile theories is fascinating- exploring how the media affected the field. A Dangerous Method also addresses Freud’s cynical character and financial problems and ends with poignant statements about how the war eventually affected all three.

The film is an easy, informative watch, but ultimately proves unexciting and passive in its approach. Directorial style takes a backseat to rendering the lives and works of the individuals. With a questionable Russian accent and distortion of her body during her character’s fits, Knightley commits to her role. However, it is Fassbender, and especially Vincent Cassel (who plays the entertaining therapist Otto Gross), who are the most convincing and enjoyable to watch.

The soundtrack is one of the film’s strengths, with Wagnerian symphonic poems. Yet for all its pleasing features, A Dangerous Method is somewhat dissatisfying. Sitting firmly outside both thorough documentary and romantic dramatisation, we experience no exciting plot or in-depth psychoanalytic discussion.