Review of Kinsey (2004) by Adam K — 27 Mar 2010

This is a close look at the life of a professor whose research throughly changed America, dragging it out of prudery and convention tofrankly examine our sexual behavior. While we may now take for granted Kinsey's impact, this film will remind us that just 60 years ago, the average American's perception of sex was vastly different than it is today. This film, if nothing else, reminds us of Professor Kinsey's influence.

As for the film itself, it is a well done biopic, though perhaps not as stunning as the transformations we see in, say, "Ray" or "Capote." Also, the beginning of the film feels a little rickety and devoid of conflict; it isn't until Kinsey's research gets controversial that the film starts churning along. There are a few scenes that are startling (though not gratuitous) that involve frank sexual discussion, masturbation, and Sarsgaard whipping his pants off and showing what he's got. These are not needless gratuitous scenes, though. It's harder to startle American audiences with sexual content now than it was in Kinsey's day; these scenes recreate some of the uneasiness that his work produced. Definitely worth seeing for the historical/sociological value; just be warned if you're uncomfortable or conservative with sexual issues.