'A Dangerous Method' Trailer Pits Freud Vs. Jung

6/23/2011 3:55 PM ET

(RTTNews) - "A Dangerous Method," release unknown:

Coming off the critically lauded gangster films "A History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises," director David Cronenberg is back with "A Dangerous Method," a psychological drama that has already gathered a considerable amount of internet buzz.
The movie looks to dissect the relationship between Sigmund Freud and Karl Jung, the two researchers responsible for revolutionizing the study of psychology. With an all-star cast that includes Viggo Mortensen as Freud and Michael Fassbender as Jung, "A Dangerous Method" promises some intense drama and off-kilter views on sexuality, which would be fitting considering the subject.
Also included in the cast is Keira Knightley, who plays a Russian test subject who begins to complicate matters for Jung. Knightley is a good fit in period dramas without zombie pirates (see "Atonement" and "Pride and Prejudice"), and Vincent Cassel ("Black Swan") appears as another potential influence on the famous psychologists.
"A Dangerous Method" doesn't have a U.S. release date yet but is scheduled to make its debut at the Venice Film Festival in late August/early September.
Box office potential:
Though Cronenberg is a respected director, his movies are often too dark to reach mainstream audiences; something seen with both "A History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises."
A lot will depend on how much critical support "A Dangerous Method" can gather and whether or not distributor Sony Classics can successfully market it as an awards contender.
"A Dangerous Method" will likely launch at the end of 2011 in the U.S. on a limited basis and look to expand slowly to attract its intended adult demographic through positive word-of-mouth.