Let's talk about sex.
"Kinsey"
instantly brought to mind "A Beautiful Mind"
along with writer/director Bill Condon's last
film, "Gods & Monsters," due to its unbiased and
revealing look at the full spectrum of its
subject's psyche. In this case, "Kinsey" is, of
course, about Alfred Kinsey. Kinsey's 1948
publication of "Sexual Behavior in the Human
Male" was a groundbreaking and society changing
look at human sexuality.
Being from conservative Indiana, I've always had
an interest in the life and work of Kinsey along
with the still present Kinsey Institute. While
they certainly no longer qualify as "cutting
edge" as they were in the old days, their
research remains progressive and relevant nearly
60 years after the work of Kinsey began.
This film doesn't hold back in exploring the
brilliance of Kinsey while looking at his own
inner demons (as society would call them). Liam
Neeson is wondrous as Kinsey in that he balances
an essential naivete with downright manipulation
of the subject, the institution and even his
assistants. Kinsey, in the midst of all his
brilliance could be, for lack of a better term,
quite the prick. What makes this film so
wondrous is that it chooses not to hide from
this fact with the glossing over, for the second
autobiographical film this year (after "Finding
Neverland") the strongly suggested rumors of
pedophilia that plagued Kinsey. Neeson naturally
physically resembles Kinsey, but adds so much
depth to the character that one can't help but
feel like Neeson is not only "playing" Kinsey he
has literally become Kinsey. An Oscar nomination
is almost assured for Neeson and a win is not
out of the question.
As his faithful, yet often mistreated wife,
Laura Linney turns in her finest performance to
date (and that's saying a LOT). Linney nearly
steals every scene she is in, and is quite
literally hypnotic in her scenes with Neeson.
Linney's segue from free-spirited student to
young wife to respected advisor is a natural,
incredibly effective transition that would have
been a lost performance by many actresses. Kudos
also to the make-up team. Make-up is hardly an
area I usually notice, however, Linney's
transition is done with a soft touch that adds
significantly to her characterization. It's
masterful. Linney's performance is also about as
close to a guaranteed Oscar nomination as one
should get, and I'd be hard-pressed to name a
better performance by a female this year.
In supporting roles, kudos abound across the
border. Of course, much is being made of Peter
Sarsgaard's turn as one of Kinsey's assistant
and eventual lover. Saarsgard gives the film a
scene of full-frontal nudity, which seems to
still be shocking by even today's cinematic
standards. It is done quite naturally, and is
practically a necessity in a film about Kinsey.
It should be noted that Neeson himself had a
full-frontal nude scene in the film, however, it
was cut from the final version. Controversy over
nudity aside, Sarsgaard offers yet another
brilliant performance in his film repertoire
with a brash, confident and completely authentic
character. An Oscar nomination for Best
Supporting Actor is not out of the question
here.
Not to be outdone, John Lithgow reminds us what
a brilliant actor he can be when given the right
role. As Kinsey's minister father, Lithgow is
powerful in an under-developed role. An Oscar
nomination here would be appropriate were it not
for the brevity of this performance.
Other supporting performances of fine note
include Timothy Hutton (welcome back!), Chris
O'Donnell (Finally, another great performance!),
Tim Curry (Hmmm...his most famous role is as a
sweet transvestite and here he's brilliant again
in a film about Kinsey), Veronica Cartwright
(perfect touches) and also Oliver Platt,
Julianne Nicholson and Dylan Baker.
The film is blessed with exemplary production
design, an outstanding score from Carter Burwell
and exquisite art design/costuming. Multiple
Oscar nominations in acting, writing and
production areas are certainly warranted.
"Kinsey" comes in at just under 2 hours,
however, it is a well-paced and entertaining two
hours. An additional 15-20 minutes of character
development may have been warranted, and would
have added significantly to some of the
supporting characters in the film.
"Kinsey" is a definite "R" rated film as Condon
wisely chose to honor the nature of Kinsey's
work by offering a film of graphic discussion,
intellect, sexuality and intimacy. While far
from obscene, one can't deny that this film will
not be discussed quite so openly in the
workplace due to fears of sexual harassment
charges. Yes, it is THAT honest.
With honesty, frankness and explicit
authenticity "Kinsey" becomes one of 2004's best
pictures and a favorite to receive an Oscar
nomination for "Best Picture."
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
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Jacob
Hall's Comment
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