In the mid-eighties, Liaison Fatale was so successful in cinema that it became a social issue. If Jaws has plagued millions of beachgoers for decades, this movie scared many couples when it came out.
Directed by Adrian Lyne, this thriller, directed by Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, tells the story of a married man dealing with a woman in his marriage. What’s supposed to be just a one-night stand turns into a nightmare when a rejected mistress develops a real obsession.
Focusing on the entertainment side, Liaison Fatale explores the relationships between men and women of the time – 1987 to be exact. In an article published that year talk The Washington PostA lawyer specializing in divorce cases explains:People only talk about it. In my office, in court…“
He even claims that the film A fatal connection It becomes, with AIDS, an argument for prioritizing monogamy. This very extreme parallel and more questionable taste shows the influence of the thriller on American society at the time.
The reception of the film in France is very different. The public responds – the phenomenon obliges – but the press bares its teeth and criticizes Liaison Fatale for its sexist representation of the rejecting femme fatale – and therefore necessarily hysterical clichés.
A “reactionary” film?
so, In his 1988 reviewThe newspaper Le Monde writes:In the acceptance of society, which takes a fatal link to the reflection of morality, North American society, and which responds with absolute responsibility: the death of this unworthy good woman and her great viscous wishes for the family, Nancy and Ron.“Everyday Appreciates the Movie”reactive“and”Cool“.
Years later, actor Glenn Close – nominated for an Oscar for his terrifying performance – shares his regrets about his character as a movie monster. The real problem for him is mental health. The situation that the TV series released in 2023 is trying to correct – it really doesn’t work.
Fatal Connection 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.
