Drawn from true-life events, David Cronenberg’s ‘A Dangerous Method’ chronicles the turbulent relationships between fledgling psychiatrist Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), his mentor Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley), the troubled but beautiful young woman who comes between them. Into the mix comes Otto Gross (Vincent Cassell), a debauched patient who is determined to push the boundaries. In this exploration of sensuality, ambition and deceit set the scene for the pivotal moment when Jung, Freud and Sabina come together and split apart, forever changing the face of modern thought. ‘A Dangerous Method’ is set for release November 23rd in the US and Febuary 10th in the UK.

How was it playing such an eminent and revered man, a man with such a complex history? Other than the script there’s so much material to look at about Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.

Michael Fassbender: It’s always easier if there’s information available to you, and there is a lot, on both Jung and Freud. And then there’s the fear element, you know, playing someone with a very passionate and vocal following, loyal following. So you want to do justice to the character, you want to do justice to David Cronenberg and Christopher Hampton’s script. The main thing for me was to tackle the very eloquent muscular piece of dialogue. I sort of tried to treat it as a piece of music. I spent a lot of time with the text, trying to get the rhythms, find the different rhythms, just to get a power over the dialogue. Because again, we’re dealing with a period in time when discourse, especially in the academic world, it’s a weapon. If your not in charge of it your gonna get destroyed, so that was definitely an element that needed work. And then you just put it all together and see what you come up with. I think what’s interesting when your dealing with real heavyweight characters like this, real revered characters, you find out that there’s human beings underneath, they have egos, they have some very basic and obvious flaws, to play with those elements is also fun.

What were some of the things you found interesting about Jung?

Michael Fassbender: The words we use today; introvert and extrovert, things we take for granted now but back then people didn’t really think of that or comprehend it. People moved more as one lump, whereas Jung had the idea of finding yourself as an individual before you can finally access your full potential. He was really open to anything, while Freud was more set in one sort of form of psychology, this idea that all neurosis essentially springs from a sexual origin, I think Jung had a problem with that. And Jung, he was so ambitious and so driven….I think with both these characters, Freud didn’t like to be questioned. There’s so many thing about Jung I found interesting (laughs).

Your character in ’Shame’ would be a great patient for Freud. What order did you do the films in, and did the research for one help inform the other?

Michael Fassbender: (Laughs) No, the order was ’A Dangerous Method,’ ’X-Men: First Class,’ and then ’Shame’ – so I was manipulating metal in-between (laughs). It’s funny because when I do a film, I’m sort of in that, it’s a very intense time, the preparation and filming of it. And then I kind of discard it pretty quickly. So when I was doing ‘Shame’ I didn’t even think about the parallels, I didn’t even think I could take some information from what I gathered on ‘A Dangerous Method’ – I might have been doing it subconsciously though (laughs), but I certainly wasn’t aware of it.

How was it working alongside Viggo Mortensen and Keira Knightley in this film? There’s many layers to each of your characters.

Michael Fassbender: Viggo Mortensen is an absolute joy really, he has his work very methodically put together, he’s very precise. But he’s also got a great sense of humour, we had a lot of fun, a lot of fun doing our scene’s together. The more we did the more fun we had (laughs). It’s important as well I think when you’re dealing with very heavy material and serious material, that you keep a lightness in-between takes. So when you come to the scene a bit more loose and a bit more relaxed. That helps you find the little nuances within it.

Keira Knightley, I would say for me anyway, she has the hardest part to play in ‘A Dangerous Method.’ She goes through such an arrange of emotions and mental states. And from day one she came and sat down on the seat and went for it, she dived in head-first. She’s super talented and really easy to work with.

On the eve of World War I, Zurich and Vienna are the setting for a dark tale of sexual and intellectual discovery. Drawn from true-life events, ‘A Dangerous Method’ takes a glimpse into the turbulent relationships between fledgling psychiatrist Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), his mentor Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley), the troubled but beautiful young woman who comes between them. Into the mix comes Otto Gross, a debauched patient who is determined to push the boundaries. In this exploration of sensuality, ambition and deceit set the scene for the pivotal moment when Jung, Freud and Sabina come together and split apart, forever changing the face of modern thought. ‘A Dangerous Method’ is set for release November 23rd in the US and Febuary 10th in the UK

What was the research process for you like on ‘A Dangerous Method,’ to help you understand Sabina more?

Keira Knightley: As soon as I knew I was going to play the part I phoned Christopher Hampton (screenwriter), and said, ‘help!’ He said, ‘alright, come around.’ I thought that he was going to give me a talk for a couple of hours and I’d take notes, which he did, but he also handed me a massive pile of books and said, ‘Read all of those, it’s somewhere in there.’ So I did that, I also found a translation of the diaries and Jung’s notes, Jung biographies, including ‘Memories, Dreams, Reflections.’ Sabina’s diary entries, a lot of that, they were very helpful. Then I spoke to couple of analyses as well, just to get an idea of what exactly hysteria was and what it would come from.

How was it starting the research, I can imagine it might have been difficult?

Keira Knightley: It was quite terrifying actually, because when I first read the script I thought, “God this is amazing,” and said yes to doing it. Then I thought this could be really difficult (laughs). But it was just about starting, and when I did start reading through the material I didn’t understand a word, because it was all in psycho-analytical talk (laughs), I didn’t know anything about that to start with.

I spoke to Viggo Mortensen about his research process, how was it working with him and maybe sharing research?

Keira Knightley: I was so excited when Viggo said he would play Freud, I think he’s the most phenomenal actor. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about his research, what he found out. It was a joy, the little we did together, to kind of go, “Oh wow, what books have you been reading?” And he gave me a whole list of Freud books, and you know they’re gonna be good, because if Viggo’s read them and enjoyed them, you know they’re gonna be good (laughs).

It’s such a frantic and frenetic role, was that a challenge in crafting?

Keira Knightley: It was a very challenging role, I think that was one of the reasons I wanted to play her, because I didn’t know who she was. I think very often when you play characters, there are certain threads that link you, emotionally you can understand exactly what the person went through, with this one I had no frame of reference. But that was what was fascinating and exciting about it. So it really was a question of trying to find logic with what was perceived from the outside to be madness. Because I think as much as she knew that she was ill, there were logical reasons within her for the way she behaved, so it was really about trying to understand what that logic was, and then find out from the inside and build her up. With the help of David Cronenberg, we managed to craft something. It was a very exciting process.

Is it cathartic, in a strange way, playing a role like Sabina?

Keira Knightley Oh yeah, it can be incredibly cathartic, particularly with a role like this. It’s almost strange what a wonderful time we had making this film (laughs). It’s….particularly my character is very dark, so it seems almost perverse that we had such a wonderful and fun time outside that. I think part of that was because you’re going to these incredibly dark places, you’re trying to think of that and it all comes out in that direction, then afterwards you leave it and you go and watch football, have a beer and have a really nice time.

What was it like working out her look and costume?

Keira Knightley: A huge part of it is the costume. So it was great we found something that was never fussy, it never made her perfectly of that period. Going along the line of thinking you’re disgusting, thinking you’re vile, you don’t dress yourself up….have the hair done and everything else, because you don’t want everyone to look at you.

These five new clips have been unveiled from David Cronenberg’s Viggo Mortensen, Keira Knightley and Michael Fassbender starring ‘A Dangerous Method.’ The film is David Cronenberg’s and Viggo Mortensen’s third time teaming up. If this is even half as good as their previous collaborations – ‘A History of Violence’ and ‘Eastern Promises’ – we’re in for a treat! ‘A Dangerous Method’ is based on “The Talking Cure” play by Christopher Hampton. The film chronicles the intense relationship between Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and his student Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), and how it gave birth to competing theories of psychoanalysis. ‘A Dangerous Method’ is set for release November 23rd in the US, and Febuary 10th in the UK. Check out my interview with Viggo Mortensen here, Michael Fassbender here, and Keira Knightley here.

On the eve of World War I, Zurich and Vienna are the setting for a dark tale of sexual and intellectual discovery. Drawn from true-life events, A Dangerous Method takes a glimpse into the turbulent relationships between fledgling psychiatrist Carl Jung, his mentor Sigmund Freud and Sabina Spielrein, the troubled but beautiful young woman who comes between them. Into the mix comes Otto Gross, a debauched patient who is determined to push the boundaries. In this exploration of sensuality, ambition and deceit set the scene for the pivotal moment when Jung, Freud and Sabina come together and split apart, forever changing the face of modern thought.

Empire have got their mitts on this debut trailer for director David Cronenberg’s Viggo Mortensen, Keira Knightley and Michael Fassbender starring ‘A Dangerous Method.’ The film is David Cronenberg’s and Viggo Mortensen’s third time teaming up. If this is even half as good as their previous collaborations – ‘A History of Violence’ and ‘Eastern Promises’ – we’re in for a treat!

‘A Dangerous Method’ is based on “The Talking Cure” play by Christopher Hampton. The film chronicles the intense relationship between Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and his student Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), and how it gave birth to competing theories of psychoanalysis. The film is set to hit cinemas in time for awards season later this year/early next year.

Icon Film have unveiled this debut poster for ‘On The Road,’ Walter Salles’ (The Motorcycle Diaries) upcoming adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s acclaimed novel of the same name – widley regarded as one of the most important novels of the 20th century. The film features a great ensemble cast that includes the likes of Garrett Hedlund, Sam Riley, Kristen Stewart, Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, Amy Adams, Tom Sturridge, Elisabeth Moss, Alice Braga and Steve Buscemi. I’ve got high hopes for this flick, fingers crossed it doesn’t dissapoint!

After the death of his father, Sal Paradise, a young writer from New York, meets Dean Moriarty, a young and dangerously seductive rebel. The immediately click. Determined not to get stuck in a mediocre life, Sal and Dean hit the road. With a thirst for freedom, they explore the world and travel to meet others and find themselves.

Bummer news of the day. In a chinwag with Latinoreview on the promotional campaign for ‘Sucker Punch’ director Zack Snyder ended weeks for speculation by revealing that Viggo Mortenson will not be playing General Zod in his upcoming ‘Superman: Man Of Steel’ film: “Yeah Viggo is not going to be in the movie let’s say that right now. I can clear that up.” To date confirmed cast for the DC Comics film include Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent, Kevin Costner as Superman/Clarke’s adoptive father Jonathan Kent, and Diane Lane, who plays his wife Martha.

Snyder is understandably keeping tight lipped regarding the film, he was however willing to expand on what he’ll bring to this Superman film that was not brought on previous ones: “I don’t think it’s about trying not to do what’s been done.  It’s just when I say that I mean that’s a way for us to start fresh and kind of be able to say what mythology do we want to sort of endorse or exploit.  Look all of us involved with project have a great respect for Superman. Trust me when I say I want this movie to be awesome and I want Superman to be awesome, you know that’s true.  It’s not so much about like what I do and don’t want to do in regards to what’s been done, we need to like…I think for the audiences stake you want us to shed that…let that weight off our shoulders so we can go and make a great movie.” Look out for ‘Superman: Man of Steel’ swooping into cinemas December 2012.

The screenwriter and co-producer of ‘Snow White and The Huntsman,’ Palak Patel, revealed via his Twitter account (before deleting the tweets) that Kirsten Stewart has been confirmed to portray Snow White in the upcoming fairy tale re-imagining. Charlize Theron has signed on to portray the Evil Queen, while Viggo Mortensen is said to be in negotiations to play the Huntsman.

Universal Pictures re-telling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale will feature an expanded role for the part of the Huntsman, in the original version he is ordered to take Snow White into the woods and kill her, but instead lets her go. In the new take the Huntsman serves as Snow White’s mentor, teaching Snow White to fight and survive against the evil queen. Hopefully this will be a meatier role for Stewart, I believe in some circles she gets a bad wrap for her character in the Twilight movies, for me that can be attributed to the role being so poorly written (sulk, mope, bite-lip, look miserable…repeat), not do with her acting chops. In my eyes she showcased in Adventureland that she‘s definitely got talent. ‘Snow White and The Huntsman’ aims to shoot this summer in time for it’s December 21st 2012 release date.

Two rules to raise my anticipation for a film 34784%* (*slight exaggeration):

Rule #1 – Have Viggo Mortensen attached.
Rule #2 – See Rule #1.

THR bring word that Viggo Mortensen is at the top of producer Christopher Nolan and director Zack Snyder’s list to play General Zod, the evil and super-powered scientist, in Snyder’s upcoming Superman reboot for Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures.

Sources tell THR that no talks have commenced and that Mortensen is just a “person of interest,” much like Kevin Costner is for the role of Jonathan Kent. Apparently Snyder is in the midst of meeting actors for not only the role of Zod and Kent, but the three female parts well.  Look out for ‘Superman: Man of Steel’ swooping into cinemas Summer 2012. The film stars Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman. Expect more casting news soon.

Icon Film have unveiled three new images from ‘On The Road,’ Walter Salles’ (The Motorcycle Diaries) upcoming adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s acclaimed novel of the same name – widley regarded as one of the most important novels of the 20th century. The film features a great ensemble cast that includes the likes of Garrett Hedlund, Sam Riley, Kristen Stewart, Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, Amy Adams, Tom Sturridge, Elisabeth Moss, Alice Braga and Steve Buscemi. I’ve got high hopes for this flick!

After the death of his father, Sal Paradise, a young writer from New York, meets Dean Moriarty, a young and dangerously seductive rebel. The immediately click. Determined not to get stuck in a mediocre life, Sal and Dean hit the road. With a thirst for freedom, they explore the world and travel to meet others and find themselves.

Universal Pictures look like they’re closing in on the actress to portray Snow White in the upcoming fairy tale re-telling ‘Snow White and The Huntsman.’ Both Charlize Theron and Viggo Mortensen have got the casting ball rolling as the Evil Queen and the Huntsman respectively (they‘re both in negotiations). Now the Hollywood Reporter have revealed that Kristen Stewart is in talks to star in the film. Apparently ”the deal is not done and could still fall apart, but both sides want it to happen.”

Universal Pictures re-telling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale will feature an expanded role for the part of the Huntsman, in the original version he is ordered to take Snow White into the woods and kill her, but instead lets her go. In the new take the Huntsman serves as Snow White’s mentor, teaching Snow White to fight and survive against the evil queen. Hopefully this will be a meatier role for Stewart, I think in some circles she gets a bad wrap for her character in the Twilight movies, for me that can be attributed to the role being so poorly written (sulk, mope, bite-lip, look miserable…repeat), not do with her acting chops. In my eyes she showcased in Adventureland that she‘s definitely got talent. Snow White and The Huntsman aims to shoot this summer in time for it’s December 21st 2012 release date.