Cigarette in hand, Hitchcock bun and immaculate white dress. In five minutes, Sharon Stone reinvents movie interrogation scenes. The star of Basic Instinct is him. And 30 years later, we’re still talking about it.
In 1992, the year it was released, it wasn’t the same as it is today, yet Paul Verhoeven’s thriller continues to warm the soul. After a brief theatrical release in 2021, this nineties classic is a must-see on Netflix.
The story begins with the brutal murder of a rock star. A piece of ice was found at the scene. Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) investigates the crime and meets the prime suspect, Catherine Trammell (Sharon Stone).
Brilliant and mysterious, he is also the author of erotic novels where he describes murders that are repeated in reality. Between the resolution of his investigation and the desire to succumb to the writer’s charms, the inspector falls into a downward spiral.
Inspired by the style of Alfred Hitchcock, Basic Instinct – which is French for awakening the primal instinct of every human being – came out during a ferment of erotic thrillers in cinema. In 1992, femme fatales are everywhere on screens, but Sharon Stone’s interpretation marks the apogee of this movement. It is hard to imagine another actor in his place. However, twelve stars have already turned down the role. Among them, Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, Kim Basinger, Michelle Pfeiffer or even Isabelle Ajan.
Created the sultry character of Catherine Trammell Sharon Stone world star Since the screening of the film at the Cannes Film Festival, it has gained sudden and overwhelming popularity. Spectators even enter his hotel on the Croisette to follow him through the corridors. Having become a “sex symbol” despite himself, the actor will have to live with this label throughout his career.
At the center of many discussions surrounding the film is a scene. The one where the suspect was interrogated by police officers. When she crosses her legs, the actress amazes onlookers around the world by not wearing any underwear. This scene, which has been parodied thousands of times since, has become one of the most iconic moments in modern Hollywood cinema.
However, Sharon Stone herself was stuck. in his memories The beauty of living twicePublished in 2021, it explains this Paul Verhoeven He asked to remove his underwear, which was very visible in the light. He promises that his body will not appear on screen again.
He discovers the scene and plan in a full test projection in front of the whole team. Angry and feeling betrayed, he punches the director in the projection booth. Paul Verhoeven denies this version.
Once criticized, now worshiped
on its production, Basic instinct Not unanimous with critics, and even more so with activists of the LGBT + community. Many criticized the film for its offensive and dangerous portrayal of bisexuality. Petitions are created and demonstrations are organized. Nevertheless, the thriller finds its audience. In France, it collected more than 4 million participants, and in the United States it collected as many as a big-budget action film.
Years have passed, and Basic Instinct remains in the collective memory as the most sulphurous investigation of the decade. Since then, critics have significantly improved the quality of the film. as for Sharon StoneHer character Catherine Trammell continues to shed her skin.
Basic Instinct is available on Netflix.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
