Kinsey is a biopic about the noted scientist Alfred Kinsey and his study of human sexuality.
A biopic can use two different techniques in covering its subject matter. The first is a straightforward narrative, usually chronological in nature like Gandhi or Pride of the Yankees.
The second uses metaphor or other methods to give you a more intimate glimpse at the subject’s life as seen in Ed Wood or Shakespeare in Love
Kinsey switches back and forth between both methods and loses pacing at each step.
The movie’s central theme is that of Alfred Kinsey’s enormous contribution to society through his study and dissemination of knowledge regarding sexual habits and desires of human beings. The movie also has a secondary theme regarding the sacrifices that a person devoted to science must make in his personal life.
To the first theme I would have preferred a greater perspective on the world away from Kinsey and his colleagues. There are of course a generous number of ubiquitous shots of shock and outrage to what Kinsey is doing, but his own world seems filled with people that rarely if ever question what they are doing. Also if the film had done more to evoke the 1950s it might have produced the same desired effect.
The second theme works splendidly and the three main characters – Liam Neeson as Kinsey, Laura Linney as his wife and Peter Saarsgard as his friend and fellow researcher – turned in performances worthy of acclaim and the theme of sacrifice was felt deeply even though it was barely discussed.
Sadly the movie was also weighed down by pointless introspection into his childhood and Kinseys significant but boring study of gall wasps. I suppose the writer felt the need to include these even though they virtually nothing for me.
Kinsey is unabashed in its examination of sex, but is usually viewed through a scholarly lens. This is not a film for youngsters.
Kinsey is slow but entertaining nonetheless if you catch it playing on some cable channel you probably won’t be disappointed. If you are looking for a good movie, even another biopic there are better choices.
Rating: C+
