Kinsey Review
by Robin Clifford (robin AT reelingreviews DOT com)November 22nd, 2004
"Kinsey"
Alfred Kinsey (Liam Neeson) was a dedicated, though unassuming, biologist whose claim to fame was his extensive study of the gall wasp. But, when his students at the University of Indiana seek out his advice about sex, he realizes just how little is known about the forbidden fruit. This prompts the researcher to begin his investigations that will change the sexual makeup of the post-war world in "Kinsey."
Helmer/scribe Bill Condon takes on the former taboo – serious, academic sex studies on a massive scale at a time when prudery ruled America in the 1940's and '50's – and tells the story of the man who broke convention. Kinsey not only talked about sex openly and taught the subject in a formal course at the university. He began a research project that eventually compiled interview material on male sexuality from thousands of subjects and was funded by the Rockefeller Institute. His first work, Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, broke new ground and opened the eyes of America. But, his second tome, Sexual Behavior in the Human Female, caused a hue and cry across the nation that nearly killed the controversial Kinsey.
Condon tells Kinsey's story starting as a young man living under the iron hand of his prudish, arrogant and opinionated father (John Lithgow). The restrictive environment and his father's narrow mindedness – he believed the zipper to be the work of the devil - forced Alfred to pursue his own interest and he immersed himself in his zoological studies, becoming a world expert (maybe the only one) on gall wasps. While teaching, he meets and marries one of his students, Clara McMillan (Laura Linney), a bright, equally dedicated young woman. The couple's sexual awakening becomes the basis for Kinsey's interest in things sex.
"Kinsey," though it has the look of an ensemble film with its large cast of notable actors, is really owned by its three principles – Neeson, Linney and Peter Sarsgaard as Clyde Martin, Kinsey first recruit as an interviewer. Liam Neeson gives one of his best performances to date as the sexual studies pioneer as he moved from an obscure insect expert to one of the most controversial figures in America. Laura Linney has the tough role as Kinsey's loyal wife but the actress gives a full dimensional performance and comes across as Kinsey soul mate and equal. Sarsgaard, always a good performer, does so again here but takes a back seat to the leads. The rest of the cast is unexceptional with Timothy Hutton and Chris O'Donnell phoning in their roles as Kinsey's other researchers.
Oliver Platt, Tim Curry and John Lithgow do likewise.
One pleasant surprise is a small but effective cameo by Lynn Redgrave as Kinsey's final interview subject.
In the space of about a minute or two, her character puts all of the scientist's research efforts into perspective and points out the incredible changes he evoked in America and the world.
Technically, you can't fault "Kinsey." Production design, by Richard Sherman, and costume design, by Bruce Finlayson, does a fine job of setting the late 1940's period mood for the film. Frederick Elmes lends his experienced eye to the cinematography tasks at hand and gives a crisp look to "Kinsey's" earth tone hues.
"Kinsey" is a well-paced film whose subject matter is, at least, academically interesting. It deals with the societal mores and moods of the time and shows the opening shot of the sexual revolution that would explode across the land over the next decades.
Helmer/writer Bill Condon crafts a story that depicts this revolution from a clinical viewpoint that strips away emotion as it deals with the physical aspects of sex. He also delivers some mirthful moments that make the characters all the more human. I give it a B.
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