Review of Kinsey (2004) by Spencer S — 06 Nov 2011

A biographical film concerning the findings, research, and life of Dr. Alfred Kinsey, a zoologist and entomologist who turned his attention to the science of sex when the nation was still knee deep in the Cold War.

Kinsey opened the American public up to a great deal of factual information that changed lives, saved others, and put a brighter light on human biological functions, making it obvious to general speculation that all of us are equally normal, and different at the same time.

The film explores the revelations of Kinsey, and the steps he took from simply studying animal behavior, to the unheard of concept of sexual research. None of it broaches on especially scandalous in modern eyes, but the chasm between Kinsey, his wife, his children, and his research team becomes increasingly apparent.

He only wants to study and catalogue a taboo topic, and his glaring clarity on the subject subjugates him from his son, who only wants to be seen as normal. His wife and constant companion is all too accommodating with his decisions to experiment, and goes along with everything in a supportive manner.

Kinsey only speaks of his subject and that seems to be the extent of his conversational skills, driving him away from human contact, which is the sole way he seems to find pleasure in life. The increasing trials of the House on Un-American Activities Committee, a strain on funds, and a shunning from any scientific field or public interest derails him further.

The choice of cast was superb: Liam Neeson, though burdened by an accent he can't misplace, was so stoic and brave in his portrayal, that he completed a vision of a man bridled with his own inequalities and social misgivings.

Linney provides another role of a woman with a lot on her mind, but little in the way of showing it. The choice to include great character actors such as Timothy Hutton, Dylan Baker, and Oliver Platt really pulled everything together, since each took their role to heart and fleshed out their characters.

It was interesting look into American repression during the fifties, and an examination of whether sex is based on love, pleasure, or is in fact a scientific field to be explored without emotional attachment.