Kinsey
Biopics are always a touchy proposition, if not in their subject matter, then in the manner in which they choose to relay the story of their subject. Unlike a biography, a movie doesn't have a virtually unlimited number of pages on which to unveil a person's life in every gory detail. In the interest of time, either a lot has to be cut, or the story must be nailed down to a specific set of events. The life of Dr. Alfred Kinsey presents a real pickle, however, because a man's life is inexorably tied to his work, especially when his life's work is human sexuality. Writer/director Bill Condon has his work cut out for him in Kinsey, trying to convey the important sociological implications of Kinsey's research while showing the unconventional way it impacted his personal life. Kinsey was something of a social misfit who dove headfirst into uncharted waters, and neither his wife or research assistants were quite prepared for the journey.
Condon's decision to use Kinsey's life as a microcosm of the vast sexual unknowns in society works brilliantly by recognizing that the mere titillation of the subject matter isn't nearly enough to keep such an expansive story perpetually interesting. His casting choices work wonders as well, especially Liam Neeson, whose forceful screen presence perfectly captures Kinsey's dogged determination to chronicle every nook and cranny of human sexuality; and Laura Linney, who perhaps combines fierce independence with natural nurturing better than any other actress—exactly what was called for as Kinsey's devoted, curious and sympathetic wife.
- December 22, 2008
DVD Extras
We only got the first of a two-disc set, and just about all of the bonus features are on disc two: The Kinsey Report: Sex on Film; 20 deleted scenes, plus the original ending with commentary by Condon; a gag reel; Sex Ed at the Kinsey Institute; an interactive sex questionnaire; and the theatrical trailer.