Over the years, Facets has released several indie features and documentaries that seemed to prefigure higher profile movies on the same subjects. In an effort to shine a spotlight on these unsung originals, I am introducing a new semi-regular feature for the blog—Get the Back Story—which will expose one of these indies and its connection to its Hollywood counterpart. All of these unsung films are available to rent or buy on the Facets website; or, if you live in the Chicago area, stop by our friendly video store and ask the actual human beings behind the counter for their assistance.
David Cronenberg’s much-anticipated film A Dangerous Method is scheduled for release in November 2011. The respected auteur, whose fame rests on his “body horror films,” takes on the story of the rivalry/friendship between Freud and Jung in this drama. The source of their contention is young, beautiful Sabina Spielrein, a patient who suffers from “demonic moods and malicious harassment,” according to Jung. The film boasts a big-name cast, including Keira Knightley as Sabina Spielrein, Michael Fassbender as Jung, and, in his third film for Cronenberg, Viggo Mortensen as Freud. The subject matter of the “fathers of psychoanalysis” seems perfect for Cronenberg: He has always critiqued men of science in his films (Shivers, Scanners, Videodrome, Dead Ringers), and recently, he has taken to exploring the psychology of his characters’ inner lives (M. Butterfly, Spider, Naked Lunch). Though based on real-life historical figures, the events and characters in A Dangerous Mind will be shaped and altered to fit Cronenberg’s themes and world view. I eagerly await its release.
