Cast: Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Peter Sarsgaard, Chris O'Donnell, Timothy Hutton, John Lithgow, Tim Curry, Oliver Platt
Director: Bill Condon
Screenplay: Bill Condon
IMDb info
I keep my film files and ramblings on Diaryland because this is first and foremost a blog, and is not intended to be a serious, objective film site. It should be very clear that everything here is about me, my opinions of film, and how film personally affects me as much as it's about actual criticism of film. This seems an especially important disclaimer in my discussion of Kinsey, which is not only one of the most surprisingly great films of the year, but one which has an immense personal impact for me.
Kinsey's sexual philosophy — if not practice — is a virtual mirror of my own. I do not believe there is any such thing as sexual deviance. I believe all desires are normal, and all actions acceptable as long as everyone involved is consenting. And I believe knowledge about the self and respect for the other is enormously important. For this reason, Kinsey's work is, in my opinion, invaluable.
Society wasn't ready for his work then, and I don't think it's ready for Bill Condon's interpretation of his life now, either. It's very upsetting how conservative and judgmental American society, at least, remains on these issues. People are condemned for feelings and needs they cannot control — and why should they, if they could? The idea that there is such a thing as 'normal' sexual behavior, or moral and immoral acts, is obscene to me. I imagine many people will walk out of this film thirty minutes in consumed by righteous anger. How much really has changed, from Kinsey to Condon?
What I like most about Kinsey is his unqualified belief in the diversity of human sexuality. That there is a continuum between heterosexual and homosexual, asexual and hypersexual, where the extremes are natural but the middle is the norm. The variety of human experience is infinite when you study people individually. I respect him enormously for refusing to take the position that some sex, or a certain kind of sex, is necessary for all people. At this point in my life, at least, I am very happy without sexual relationships; I know many people who are happy without sexual stimulation of any kind. We are all 'normal.'
Condon's talent as a writer and director is bringing out the humanity in real-life people as well as his actors. His films are extraordinarily personal and character-driven; his treatment of real lives is sensitive and moving. The effectiveness of his work does not rest on innovative direction but rather conventional close-ups and natural dialogue that allow the audience to understand and identify with very human characters.
The entire cast is quite good, but Liam Neeson delivers a tour-de-force performance, capturing the spirit of a strong-willed, increasingly obsessive man empowered by the real connections he makes with people all over the country. It is without a doubt the best work I've seen Neeson do, and he is my pick for Best Lead Actor in 2004 so far. Lynn Redgrave's cameo is also very powerful and heartfelt; the entire film filled me with emotion, but it was her appearance that finally allowed me to weep.
I consider this not only a very well-made film, but one of immense importance. Acceptance and knowledge of all facets of human life are so essential. Kinsey's work may still be ahead of its time, but I'm terrified to think what society would be without it.
