Review of Kinsey (2004) by Phillip D — 06 Feb 2015
Directed by Bill Condon (Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995), Gods and Monsters (1998) and Twilight: Breaking Dawn Parts 1 & 2 (2011/2012), this biopic focuses on a true American pioneer, one who broke down barriers and dared to be different in what was a very puritanical country.
It has a very good cast and is well made, but it was largely ignored by mainstream audiences despite glowing reviews, maybe that says something about people's hang-ups todays. Alfred Kinsey (Liam Neeson) studied biology and the life cycle of gall wasps while at Indiana University.
He met his future wife Clara 'Mac' McMillen (Laura Linney) while at University. After his book on gall wasps is published, he approaches the dean of students at Indiana University about teaching sex education classes at the University as a response to the anti-sex propaganda that was being shown in schools and colleges at the time.
His classes cause a huge storm, and then he decides to do a study on human attitudes to sex around the country. Together with colleagues Clyde Martin (Peter Sarsgaard) and Wardell Pomeroy (Chris O'Donnell).
Kinsey gathers enough research for his book Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (1948), which causes trouble. Condon is quite an underrated director, and it seems he's capable of turning his attention to whatever subject comes across and can make a good film out of it.
He gets brilliant performances from Neeson and Linney, who make a good, open couple on screen, and it has a good supporting cast including Oliver Platt, Timothy Hutton, John Lithgow and Tim Curry.
This review of Kinsey (2004) was written by Phillip D on 06 Feb 2015.
Kinsey has generally received positive reviews.
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