Unsurprisingly, Kinsey follows the
life of zoologist Alfred Kinsey (Liam Neeson) as he challenged
America’s notions of sex and sexuality using controversial
methods and coming under intense media and political scrutiny.
The film explores the man behind the work, offering his
motivations and glimpses into his intriguing personal life.
Liam Neeson puts in an excellent performance in the title role,
bringing the man to life with complex motivations and emotions –
no doubt helped along by Bill Condon’s fine script. We see
Kinsey go from a very sexually repressed young man to a
freewheeling anything in the name of science sex aficionado
liberating and expanding the thoughts and fears Americans, and
the world, had about sex as he did so. Neeson receives excellent
support from Laura Linney as his very understanding wife Clara,
and Peter Sarsgaard’s Clyde Martin who awakens another side of
Kinsey sexuality. In all regards the cast is top notch – John
Lithgow puts in a particularly fine performance as Kinsey’s
repressed minister father offering one of the most poignant
moments of the film.
Kinsey as a film has a distinct style, the story woven in
between interview snippets with the man himself; the researcher
becomes the researched. The film moves at a brisk pace drawing
you in and making you want to know more, unfortunately the film
does not seem to run long enough and sort of putters out towards
the climax (no put intended). Despite the richness of the life
depicted in some instances it feels as if more could have been
done with the material; whilst satisfied I still wanted more.
Special features include an audio commentary with writer
director Bill Condon, outtakes (many of which are very funny)
and deleted scenes. Disappointingly the documentary featured on
the U.S DVD release is not featured here, and perhaps would have
done more to quench my Kinsey appetite. As it stands Kinsey is a
though provoking film, filled with fine performances that is
sadly too short.
Special Features:
Audio Commentary By Director Bill Condon
21 Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary
Gag Reel
