Kinsey

If you'd prefer the straight dope of a documentary to Hollywood interpretation, this feature-length episode of PBS's American Experience is a solid alternative to the identically titled biographical 2004 motion picture starring Liam Neeson. Both films cover largely the same territory, though this Kinsey takes a more matter-of-fact point of view to explore the personal history and predilections of zoologist Alfred Kinsey, as well as his still-controversial groundbreaking contributions to the sexual revolution through extensive research of American human mating habits. Detailing Kinsey's determination to wipe out sexual ignorance, his drive to collect data from subjects in all walks of life, his scientific process, and the gist of his findings, the program combines some of Kinsey's private letters, a few illustrative reenactments (symbolically crisscrossing America as Kinsey did for his research), and interviews with several associates, study subjects, and adherents. Barak Goodman and John Maggio's film--featuring characteristically sound American Experience production values--revisits significant lingering questions about the researcher's methodology, while also addressing the social, political, and academic resistance to his work. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (R. Blackwelder)