Keira Knightley’s Liquid Courage: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at ‘A Dangerous Method’

Keira Knightley, known for her daring roles, recently revealed a surprising anecdote about her preparation for a challenging scene in the film “A Dangerous Method.”

The actress confessed to The Hollywood Reporter that she turned to “a couple of shots of vodka” before filming a particularly risque spanking sequence.

Upon initially reading the script, Knightley expressed apprehension about the explicit scenes, citing concerns about their potential widespread exposure on the internet.

She shared her reservations with director David Cronenberg, emphasizing her admiration for him and the script but expressing doubts about her ability to perform the controversial scenes.

Cronenberg reassured Knightley that the scenes would be approached with a clinical perspective rather than sensationalized for their erotic content.

This assurance helped alleviate Knightley's initial hesitations, as she sought to portray the scenes in a manner that aligned with the director's vision.

In “A Dangerous Method,” Knightley portrays Sabina Spielrein, a troubled young woman entangled in complex relationships with psychiatrist Carl Jung (played by Michael Fassbender) and his mentor Sigmund Freud (portrayed by Viggo Mortensen).

The film delves into the dynamics of psychoanalysis and explores the intricacies of human behavior and desire.

During the filming of the pivotal spanking scene, Knightley humorously mentioned having a security guard on standby to deter any unwarranted physical interactions from her co-star Fassbender.

Despite the intense nature of the scene, Fassbender opted to strike a nearby box instead of Knightley, ensuring her comfort and safety during the shoot.

Following the completion of the challenging sequence, Knightley celebrated with “a couple of glasses of champagne” as a symbolic gesture of relief and accomplishment.

The actress expressed gratitude for successfully navigating the demanding scene and highlighted the collaborative efforts that contributed to its execution.

In preparation for her role as Sabina Spielrein, Knightley immersed herself in extensive research, delving into journals and diaries to deepen her understanding of the character's nuances.

Her dedication to authentically portraying Spielrein's journey of self-discovery through psychoanalysis underscored Knightley's commitment to her craft.

Reflecting on the experience, Knightley recounted engaging in unconventional methods to embody Spielrein's emotional turmoil, including spending time alone in her bathroom experimenting with different facial expressions.

This immersive approach underscored Knightley's dedication to delivering a compelling and nuanced performance.

As “A Dangerous Method” approaches its release date on Nov. 23, audiences can anticipate a thought-provoking exploration of psychology, desire, and the complexities of human relationships.

Knightley's candid revelations offer a glimpse into the meticulous preparation and creative collaboration that shaped her portrayal of Sabina Spielrein in this compelling cinematic endeavor.