The Popkorn Junkie

      You might never look at sex the same way again after seeing "Kinsey". Though this research was done decades ago, almost 100% of the findings still hold up today in just about any relationship. What Alfred Kinsey tried to do was answer the questions that everyday people had about sex, and also dispel some of the common misconceptions about sex and sexual related activities. Did he succeed? If his final interview subject doesn't answer that question, nothing will. "Kinsey" is an amazing motion picture filled with astonishing performances, intricate dialogue, and near flawless storytelling from director Bill Condon. By the end of the film, I certainly felt much better concerning my own sexuality.

      Liam Neeson stars as scientist Alfred Kinsey, who was raised by a religious zealot of a father (John Lithgow), and spent most of his life collecting hundreds of thousands of insects, until his studies took him elsewhere. Most of this transformation begins when he meets Clara (Laura Linney), the woman who would go on to be his lifetime partner. Kinsey eventually starts teaching college students about sexual behavior, but goes on to tackle writing entire volumes about sexual behavior in both males and females. Peter Sarsgaard stars as Clyde, Kinsey's homosexual lover, and the lover of Kinsey's wife, Clara. Oliver Platt co-stars as the University President who desperately tries to continually secure funding for Kinsey's work.

      This picture is all about relationships -- how they work and how they don't. This picture is also about how sex can be used for the good and for the bad. The strongest relationship in the film is between Kinsey and Clara -- they both have such faith in one another that they can allow their spouse to experiment with others. There is also a strong relationship between Kinsey and Clyde -- in some ways, Clyde helps Kinsey relieve some much closeted sexual tension. In fact, almost everyone involved with Kinsey's research, first hand, comes to develop some sort of emotional or sexual involvement with Kinsey himself. I liked the straight forward manner in which Sarsgaard proposes the idea of his having sex with Clara directly to Kinsey. She also accepts his offer right in front of her husband, and this is done with little emotional ambiguity. There is also a very important scene in which Kinsey sits down and interviews his father concerning his sexual history. We learn quite a lot from that scene.

      "Kinsey" also boasts the best ensemble cast of any film this year. Liam Neeson delivers the performance of his career as Kinsey, a role which will surely warrant an Academy Award nomination. And, Laura Linney might have already secured herself a win as Kinsey's overly understanding and forgiving wife, Clara. Peter Sarsgaard is phenomenal, yet again, in a very pivotal role; and, the always incredible John Lithgow once again proves his acting talent as Kinsey's exceptionally ornery father. The scene between Neeson and Lithgow during the interview is astonishing to watch, especially Lithgow's reactions. And, in such small roles, Lynn Redgrave and William Sadler manage to leave lasting impressions, especially Sadler, who completely turns our ideas of sexual promiscuity into something out of nightmares.

      This film taught me a great deal about sex, the relationships between men and women, and how anything related to sex can quickly become something of obsession. Having finally seen this film, I can safely say that all of the hype is well deserved, and "Kinsey" is one of the best films of the year. I expect numerous nominations for many of these superb performances, and certainly one for the amazing writing of Bill Condon. He has surpassed "Gods & Monsters" and given us something of incredible substance. Your relationships will never be the same after watching this film...and that is just what the real Alfred Kinsey would have wanted.

-- Billy Ray ( 4 out of 4 pops )

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