I was too young for “Basic Instinct” when it was released, and somehow managed to miss it in the years since. Written by Joe Eszterhas and directed by Paul Verhoeven, this 1992 noir styled thriller came during the golden age of big budget movies that border on basic cable porn.
Set in San Francisco, the film features two of Hollywood’s biggest stars – Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone; the latter of which is the focus of one of the most well-known scenes in movie history (don’t pretend you don’t know what it is). It has the tropes of the time. Car chases, shootouts, drinking and drugs. And lots and lots of sex.
Holy Opening Batman!
The faces, cars, costumes, and attitudes make it feel like a true relic in time. And it’s not for the faint of heart. The opening moments alone are enough to warrant a rating that we don’t even have. Trigger warnings didn’t exist at the time (thankfully) but if you’re at all squeamish about rough bedroom play, you’ll want to skip this.
Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) is a San Francisco homicide detective. He’s the typical gritty and gruff character we expect in a noir piece. Curran is under investigation by internal affairs (affectionately earning the nicknamed Shooter). He’s been known to drink, smoke, and sleep around. I wouldn’t picture Michael Douglas as a sex symbol, but he plays the part of Detective Curran quite well.
Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone) is a crime novelist. A bloody murder seems to mirror her latest book, landing the libertine author as the primary suspect. Despite facing life in prison, Trammell never loses her seductive nature, playing endless coy games with Curran and the other investigators. “Are you sorry he’s dead?” Detective Curran asks. “Yeah,” she calmly responds whilst puffing a cigarette, “I liked to f* him.”
Sharon Stone is a seemingly perfect fit for this movie. Kudos to the casting department for selecting her over others that were initially preferred.
Good Characters
George Dzundza plays Curran’s partner, while Jeanne Tripplehorn portrays his shrink. The acting is fine by all involved, though most of it is cartoonish. In a bit of humor, multiple Seinfeld characters make appearances as well, including Wayne Knight in a pre-Newman, pre-Jurassic Park performance.
I liked all the characters as much as I could. It’s a bit silly if you watch for realism, but they all seemed to work okay.
“Basic Instinct” was released at a time when movies were longer, slower, and less dynamic. I watched hoping for a big twist or an ‘oh shit!’ type of reveal. I should have known that wasn’t going to happen.
Its literally two hours of Curran fencing with Tramell; at times wearing clothes and often not.
An excuse to be naked
The iconic scene referenced before isn’t steamy at all when viewed today, but I can see why it was such a buzz at the time. Trimming some of the fat would make it more appetizing. But that’s not what they were going for back then.
This iconic, lusty film isn’t as great as its status may indicate. It’s as if they were looking for an excuse to have Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone naked. Nevertheless, I was still hooked for some reason. It’s worth watching once.
Download the JustWatch App for the best place to find “Basic Instinct.”
