"Let's talk about sex". The tagline, screaming for attention, in fact leads to a subtle portrayal of the truly extraordinary life of Dr. Alfred C. Kinsey.
Liam Neeson takes on the leading role with superb sensitivity, taking us on a journey through the mind of Kinsey the sex researcher and Kinsey the flawed human. As a devoted researcher of sexual behaviour in humans, his dedication is almost peerless; he persists in separating scientific discovery from real emotions. To him, science can explain everything: bisexuality, having multiple sexual partners, and even willingly allowing your own spouse to sleep with another man or woman. In his quest for scientific results, he does not think twice in sacrificing any principle or any partner, which inevitably leads to destructive consequences. You may gradually develop a great sense of pity for him, yet you may also find it hard to blame anyone but Kinsey himself for stubbornly refusing to allow his feelings to get in the way of science. Such is the contradiction of emotions you feel in the course of the film, not unlike the constant turmoil brewing in Kinsey's heart, no matter how strong he portrays himself to be.
Laura Linney puts in a credible performance as Kinsey's wife Clara McMillen, effectively displaying the full range of emotions in her bid to bravely stand by her husband's every decision. My choice of "main presence in the film" goes to Peter Sarsgaard in a supporting role as Clyde Martin, a student researcher handpicked by Kinsey and a key factor in giving both Kinsey and Clara one hell of a emotional roller coaster ride. His performance is daring to say the least, yet not too overpowering that it overshadows the story's main focus.
I would have greatly preferred the film to end with some form of closure, yet it might also seem unfair for it to do so. Kinsey's life is an enigma that will perhaps always be so difficult to comprehend.
Who should watch: People who wouldn't mind having their "beliefs" being challenged and openly put into question.
Who shouldn't watch: People who strongly believe that the ratio of Adam and Eve is strictly 1:1 and that there can't be Adams without Eves, vice versa.
Rating: 7.4
Liam Neeson takes on the leading role with superb sensitivity, taking us on a journey through the mind of Kinsey the sex researcher and Kinsey the flawed human. As a devoted researcher of sexual behaviour in humans, his dedication is almost peerless; he persists in separating scientific discovery from real emotions. To him, science can explain everything: bisexuality, having multiple sexual partners, and even willingly allowing your own spouse to sleep with another man or woman. In his quest for scientific results, he does not think twice in sacrificing any principle or any partner, which inevitably leads to destructive consequences. You may gradually develop a great sense of pity for him, yet you may also find it hard to blame anyone but Kinsey himself for stubbornly refusing to allow his feelings to get in the way of science. Such is the contradiction of emotions you feel in the course of the film, not unlike the constant turmoil brewing in Kinsey's heart, no matter how strong he portrays himself to be.
Laura Linney puts in a credible performance as Kinsey's wife Clara McMillen, effectively displaying the full range of emotions in her bid to bravely stand by her husband's every decision. My choice of "main presence in the film" goes to Peter Sarsgaard in a supporting role as Clyde Martin, a student researcher handpicked by Kinsey and a key factor in giving both Kinsey and Clara one hell of a emotional roller coaster ride. His performance is daring to say the least, yet not too overpowering that it overshadows the story's main focus.
I would have greatly preferred the film to end with some form of closure, yet it might also seem unfair for it to do so. Kinsey's life is an enigma that will perhaps always be so difficult to comprehend.
Who should watch: People who wouldn't mind having their "beliefs" being challenged and openly put into question.
Who shouldn't watch: People who strongly believe that the ratio of Adam and Eve is strictly 1:1 and that there can't be Adams without Eves, vice versa.
Rating: 7.4