Kinsey Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A wasp enthusiast asks too many questions about what people do behind closed doors, which makes everyone uncomfortable, especially his dad.

🍿 Kinsey: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Scientific Beginnings

Alfred Kinsey’s early life is marked by a strict, religiously conservative upbringing, influencing his later quest for understanding. Initially a zoologist studying gall wasps, Kinsey’s academic path takes an unexpected turn when faced with his students’ questions about human sexuality. Frustrated by the lack of scientific data, he decides to shift his focus to this taboo subject.

The Kinsey Institute and Sexual Research

Kinsey establishes an institute dedicated to the scientific study of human sexuality. He develops an interviewing technique designed to elicit honest responses about sexual histories. With a team of researchers, including Clyde Martin and Wardell Pomeroy, Kinsey embarks on a nationwide survey, collecting data from thousands of individuals.

Controversy and Challenges

The publication of Kinsey’s reports, particularly “Sexual Behavior in the Human Male,” sparks widespread controversy. His findings challenge societal norms and religious beliefs, leading to public outrage and scrutiny. Funding for his research is threatened, and Kinsey faces increasing pressure from conservative forces.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alfred Kinsey (Liam Neeson): A driven and controversial zoologist who pioneers the scientific study of human sexuality, challenging societal norms.
• Clara McMillen (Laura Linney): Alfred Kinsey’s supportive wife who becomes an integral part of his research while navigating her own sexual awakening.
• Wardell Pomeroy (Chris O’Donnell): One of Kinsey’s research assistants who helps conduct surveys and grapple with the implications of the study.
• Clyde Martin (Peter Sarsgaard): A key member of Kinsey’s research team who forms complex relationships with both Kinsey and his wife.
• Paul Gebhard (Timothy Hutton): Another research assistant crucial in collecting data for Kinsey’s groundbreaking reports.
• Alfred Seguine Kinsey (John Lithgow): Kinsey’s devoutly Christian and overbearing father, who disapproves of his son’s scientific pursuits.
• Thurman Rice (Tim Curry): A professor whose outdated and misinformed teachings on sex inspire Kinsey to pursue more accurate research.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alfred Kinsey: “There crime is no crime at all.” – Said when defending his research and emphasizing that diverse sexual behaviors shouldn’t be categorized as abnormal or criminal.
• Alfred Kinsey: “Who can tell me which part of the human body can enlarge a hundred times? I was referring to the pupil in your eye, young lady.” – Kinsey uses humor to defuse tension and address sexuality in a straightforward manner during his first class.
• Lynn Redgrave: “After I read your book I realized how many other women were in the same situation… You saved my life.” – A poignant moment where a lesbian woman expresses gratitude for Kinsey’s work, highlighting its impact on individuals.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,254,979
• Worldwide Gross: $17,050,017

💥 Kinsey Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into “Kinsey.” Liam Neeson really embodies the character, making you feel like you’re watching the real Alfred Kinsey. The way the movie explores the topic of sexuality is so brave and open, it really made me think about how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go. The scenes between Kinsey and his wife are especially touching and complex, showing the impact his work had on his personal life. I left the movie feeling like I had learned something new and gained a deeper understanding of human behavior.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in biographical dramas”
  • “Individuals curious about the history of sexuality research”
  • “Fans of Liam Neeson and Laura Linney”
  • “Those who appreciate films that tackle controversial subjects”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to sexuality”
  • “Some sexual content and nudity”
  • “Discussion of potentially sensitive topics”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Bill Condon’s “Kinsey” is a portrait of a man who approached sex with a scientist’s curiosity and a reformer’s zeal. Liam Neeson’s performance is a triumph, capturing Kinsey’s intelligence and his detachment. The film is bold and insightful, challenging our preconceptions about sexuality and morality.
• A.O. Scott: “”Kinsey” is a thoughtful and well-acted biopic that explores the complexities of human sexuality with sensitivity and intelligence. The film avoids easy judgments and presents a nuanced portrait of a controversial figure. Laura Linney’s performance is particularly strong.
• Peter Travers: “Liam Neeson delivers a career-defining performance as Alfred Kinsey, the pioneering sex researcher. Bill Condon’s film is both provocative and deeply human, exploring the personal and professional life of a man who dared to challenge societal norms.

Audience Reactions

Liam Neeson’s outstanding portrayal of Kinsey is mesmerizing and thought-provoking.: Most viewers appreciated the film’s courageous exploration of a controversial topic and its nuanced depiction of the characters.

The film’s frank and honest approach to sexuality sparked important conversations among viewers.: Many people found the movie educational and felt it challenged their preconceived notions about human behavior.

Overall Consensus: “Kinsey” is a compelling and intelligent biopic that offers a nuanced portrait of a controversial figure and sparks important conversations about sexuality.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Best Actor)- 2004

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Bill Condon wanted to include a clip from ‘I Love Lucy’ referencing Kinsey’s work, but Lucille Ball’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz, denied the rights, stating her parents wouldn’t want to be associated with Kinsey.”
• “The film uses a unique technique of switching between black-and-white scenes (depicting Kinsey as a research subject) and color scenes (showing flashbacks of his life).”
• “Liam Neeson’s performance as Alfred Kinsey is considered by many critics to be one of the best of his career, capturing the complexity and intensity of the man.”

🖥️ How to Watch Kinsey?

Kinsey is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Kinsey, you might like these similar films:

• Masters of Sex (2013-2016): A series exploring the lives and work of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, pioneers of human sexuality research, similar to Kinsey’s focus.
• Good Will Hunting (1997): Features a brilliant but troubled protagonist who undergoes therapy to confront his past and understand his potential, similar to Kinsey’s journey of self-discovery.
• The Imitation Game (2014): A biopic about Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician persecuted for his homosexuality, highlighting the social constraints and prejudice of the era, sharing thematic elements with Kinsey.
• The Danish Girl (2015): Explores the life of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender affirmation surgery, dealing with themes of identity, social acceptance, and challenging societal norms related to gender and sexuality.

🛒 Kinsey Related Products

• Kinsey: Sexual Behavior in the Human Male and Female: The groundbreaking Kinsey Reports combined in one volume. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of sexuality research and its impact on society. The original reports that fueled the movie.
• The Kinsey Institute: Celebrating 75 Years of Sex Research: This book celebrates the 75th anniversary of The Kinsey Institute and the enduring impact of its research. Discover historical insights and explore the current directions in sexuality research.
• Alfred Kinsey Biography: Explore the fascinating life of Alfred Kinsey, from his early years to his groundbreaking research on human sexuality.
• Liam Neeson Movie Poster: A high-quality poster featuring Liam Neeson as Alfred Kinsey. Great for fans of the film and Neeson’s performance, adding a touch of intellectual flair.

🎧 Soundtrack

Kinsey features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Etudes, Opus 25” – performed by Frédéric Chopin
• “Fever” – performed by Little Willie John

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Kinsey- the man who perverted sex ed

Ever wondered about the controversies surrounding Alfred Kinsey? This video dives into the criticisms of his work, questioning his influence on sex education. It’s a different take that’s worth considering!

Kinsey: Liam Neeson Interview | ScreenSlam

Want to hear Liam Neeson’s perspective on playing Alfred Kinsey? This interview gives you a peek into his thoughts on the role and the movie’s complex themes. I think it is a pretty in-depth interview, worth watching.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=9Zmp6VcCyLM

Luke in Kinsey as Bruce (deleted scene)

Curious about what got cut from ‘Kinsey’? This deleted scene offers a glimpse into a moment that didn’t make the final cut. I think it’s cool seeing these little extra bits!

Almanac: Sex researcher Alfred Kinsey

Want a quick but informative rundown on Alfred Kinsey’s life and work? CBS Sunday Morning has you covered with this short news piece. It’s a great way to get the basics!

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