Great success of that class inspired Kinsey to explore the subject
in greater depth. He gets a grant from Rockefeller Foundation to explore
human sexual behavior through the interviews of hundreds of men, one
on one basis. As a result of that research, in 1948 he published the
book "Sexual Behavior In The Human Male", which was an instant bestseller.
All over the country people were amazed by the findings that men are
secretly having extramarital sex and homosexual activity. .
As Kinsey entered the limelight, he had a sexual affair with his colleague
Clyde Martin (Peter Sarsgaard), and swinging relations with some of
his researchers. When his wife Clara came to know about her husband's
sexual activities, she was in total disarray. Following the publication
of Kinsey's second book on women's sexual behavior "Sexual Behavior
In Human Female" in 1953, a lot of hatred developed against Kinsey and
his research team, all around the country. The Rockefeller Foundation
was forced to withdraw the funding for Kinsey's research. Kinsey started
to break down with paranoia and self destruction.
Writer/director Bill Condon provides a very colorful context of Kinsey's
life. He skillfully deals with the life of the controversial sexologist
and the impact of his findings on the society. He handles the subject
with sense and taste, as sex is viewed as sinful and to talk about it
in public is taboo. He masterfully lightens up the film with some comic
moments. He deserves credit for bringing up this film at a time when
Americans are losing their mind over sex and there is liberal tolerance
level towards sexual preference and orientation. He incorporate various
subjects like love, sex, morality, ethics and science into one movie.
He very well portrays Kinsey as the man many see as responsible for
unleashing the age old sexual revolution in America.
Liam Neeson as Kinsey, gives an Oscar worthy performance. The depth
of his acting skills are displayed with great finesse in an extremely
complex role of Alfred Kinsey. Laura Linney could also be an Oscar contender
with her heartfelt portrayal of Clara. Rest of the cast is excellent.
It is an intelligently written and well directed film. We highly recommend
that you should see this best bio-drama of the year.
We rate this movie Very Good.
