Viggo Mortensen says playing the very verbal role of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud in his latest film was a departure from his usual strong, silent roles.

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Mortensen told Seven Magazine that he might have taken a pass on "A Dangerous Method" had it not been for the fact David Cronenberg was the director.

"It's a big jump for me because I often tend to play people who are... non-verbal," said Mortensen. "If any other director had suggested it, I would have said no. In fact, I had my misgivings with David, but eventually he talked me into it."

"A Dangerous Method," which opened Friday, is based on the rivalry between Freud and Carl Jung over the affections of patient Sabrina Spielrein. It is the second go-around for Mortensen and Cronenberg, who worked together on "Eastern Promises."

Seven said Mortensen prepped for the role as Freud by visiting his old haunts in Vienna and mastering the technique of smoking the trademark cigar just as Freud had done.