Kinsey (2004)
An erect penis is inserted into
a vagina.
This statement is a description
of one of the most basic actions in human sexuality
and reproduction. And yet, although it is probably
the very first thing one should know, it barely scratches
the surface in a discussion of human sexuality.
An erect penis is inserted into
a vagina.
This simple sentence placed here
will still cause some to gasp, repel and point an
accusatory finger citing vulgarity, pornography, shamelessness,
and, to put it mildly, unacceptability. In the nearly
50 years since Alfred Kinsey put his mark on the world
as an expert on human sexuality, we have, in many
ways, barely moved one iota towards societal acceptance
and understanding of basic human sexuality.
"Kinsey," the movie, tells the story
of the first man to attempt to break the taboos around
the discussion of human sexuality in the United States
of America in the 1950's and move towards an enlightened
and compassionate approach to understanding this very
basic human activity. And Kinsey was a crusader as
well. He voiced a desire to see society accept all
forms of sexual expression, including homosexuality
and masturbation, as natural, normal acts.
But this film is as much about the
man as it is his mission. Kinsey is a complex and
intriguing person and its marvelous to see his life
story given such wonderful and unabashed treatment.
Liam Neesom gives his best performance since "Schindler's
List" as the professor and researcher who spent his
adult life uncovering the subject. Neesom brings just
the right amount of awkward shyness and unashamed
openness to the role in a manner that I doubt many
other actors could have provided quite as ably. We
like his Kinsey and respect him as well. This is a
man who broke through convention for much of his adult
life with little or no resistance due to his integrity
and amiable nature and Neesom makes such an astounding
man seem human, compassionate and forthright while
still being bookish and awkward. It's a great performance.
Neesom is backed by a plethora of
solid actors who help to provide just the right support
for the film. Laura Linney is amazing transitioning
easily from forward co-ed to supportive wife to old
woman playing Kinsey's spouse. Linney, like Neesom,
is required to be both frank and clinical about sexuality
while bringing humanity and compassion to the topic
and she does an amazing job at providing the female
counterpoint and support beam to Kinsey's life and
work.
Meanwhile, solid support is also
found in the performances of Chris O'Donnell, Timothy
Hutton, John Lithgow (as Kinsey's stern father) and
the always wonderful Peter Sarsgaard. The latter is
yet again a revelation in his role as Kinsey's right-hand-man
and TA Clyde Martin. Unafraid and unashamed to play
an unlikeable character in "Garden State," Sarsgaard
here proves again he is a young performer to watch
providing a supporting character that could easily
have become comedic buffoon but flowers as likeable
underling in the actor's able hands. Sarsgaard elevates
his character to relevant and important secondary
status by simply being a warm, human and solid performer.
"Kinsey" is an extremely important
and timely film. 50 years after his remarkable study
and best-selling book, Kinsey's life still resonate
with a relevancy and a crucialness that sounds a bell
loudly and clearly for open-mindedness, freedom and
acceptance in societies perception of human sexuality.
Although the film, as a biopic, leaves his fate open-ended
at its end, in a way that may make the story seem
weak, the intent of writer/director Bill Condon is
clear. "There's a lot of work left to do," Kinsey
tells us at the end of the film. And, as usual, he
is right.
Notes
Also with Tim Curry, Oliver Platt,
Dylan Baker, Veronica Cartwright and Lynn Redgrave.
One of the producers in Francis
Ford Coppola. Carter Burwell provides the score. Frederick
Elmes is the Cinematographer.
The film was rated R and sparked
controversy with its impending release proving just
how timely and important Kinsey's work remains.
Viewed at a sneak preview at the
Arbor in Austin in November, 2004
