Tonight on TV: This erotic thriller sparked controversy more than 30 years ago

Tonight on TV: This erotic thriller sparked controversy more than 30 years ago



A sulphurous intrigue in the heart of San Francisco

The movie Basic instinct follows detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas), assigned to investigate the brutal murder of murdered former rock star Johnny Boz with an ice pick during love. Suspicion quickly falls on Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone), a rich and attractive writer, whose latest novel describes a similar crime. Over the course of the investigation, a complex and dangerous relationship develops between the policeman and the writer, blurring the lines between desire and suspicion.

The film has become a cult, especially thanks to the famous interrogation scene in which Catherine Tramell, dressed in a white dress, crosses and uncrosses her legs, destabilizing the police officers with her confidence and sensuality. This bold sequence sparked much discussion and remains one of the most iconic of 90s cinema.

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Sharon Stone recalls her cult and controversial scene from Basic Instinct

Considerable controversy upon its release

When it was released in 1992, Basic instinct it caused considerable controversy, mainly due to its depiction of bisexuality and homosexuality. LGBTQ+ rights groups criticized the film for its negative and stereotypical portrayals of bisexual and gay characters, fearing it could fuel existing prejudice. Demonstrations took place during the previews and calls for a boycott were launched.

The interrogation scene, in which Sharon Stone crosses her legs, revealing no underwear, has gotten a lot of ink flowing in particular. The actress then revealed who was unaware of the extent of nudity shown in this sequence, claiming that she had been misled by director Paul Verhoeven. She discovered the extent of the scene during a test screening, which shocked her deeply and sparked controversy over consent and ethics in the film.

Despite these controversies, the film achieved considerable commercial success, grossing more than $352 million worldwide, on a budget of $49 million. Sharon Stone’s performance was particularly praised, making her an icon of 90s cinema.

Source: Cine Serie

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