“Fatal Attraction” is a 1987 film that founded the erotic thriller subgenre of the ’80s and ’90s. And it’s by far the best. The cultural phenomenon was directed by Adrian Lyne and based on a screenplay by James Dearden. Its theatrical release saw it grossing $320 million worldwide, the second highest-grossing film of the year in the United States. It also received an astounding six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture.
I remember it as a taboo movie I couldn’t rent or discuss within earshot of my parents. One of my friends recorded it from HBO and we watched the VHS tape with an anxious anticipation I haven’t mustered since. Funny to see it now as the sex scenes are tame by today’s standards.
The movie stars Michael Douglas as Dan Gallagher, a hotshot Manhattan lawyer with a seemingly idyllic life. Dan has a wife of nine years (Anne Archer) and a six-year-old tot called Ellen. Dan messes things up when he has an affair with his client, Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) who goes from casual fling to violent stalker faster than a New York minute.
Top Tier Talent
1987 was the peak of Michael Douglas, who would also star in “Wall Street” that same year. Douglas is a perfect Hollywood leading man of that era. He’s calm and cool, with good looks and a subdued alpha persona. As Dan Gallagher, Douglas plays a character that seems close to his actual existence. Dan loves his family, and his job. Temptation does him in as he succumbs to a fleeting desire and ultimately pays the price.
Douglas aside, Glenn Close is the star of the show. The viewer can easily get inside Alex Forrest’s mind and her delusions as Close brings the twisted personality to the forefront. It’s a casual hookup between two consenting adults. But Alex doesn’t see it that way, and Close is amazing at portraying the breakdown of an otherwise normal person.
She starts by calling his office. Then his home. Then showing up at his workplace. Its plausible, and that’s what makes it so terrifying. “I’m not going to be ignored, Dan.” She advises coldly with what would go on to become one of the most famous movie lines in history. I read that the studio felt Glenn Close wasn’t sexy enough to play the alluring Alex. At first glance, I may have agreed. But as the film progressed, I found myself falling quickly under her spell. A testament to the talents of the actress.
“Fatal Attraction” is a thriller in all definitions of the word. The jarring ring of a rotary telephone snaps the quiet of an otherwise peaceful room. Dan, knowing that Alex could ruin his life with a single word is enough tension to chill you. When Alex begins taking things to the extreme, you’ll find yourself with Dan trapped in a hopeless situation. Despite his adultery, you’re still rooting for him.
1987
We all know my fondness for the 70s, 80s, and 90s. 1987 is represented well with the big jackets, bigger hair, and slick cars we see on screen. The film opens with the Paramount 75th anniversary logo. Immediately we see young Ellen Gallagher watching kids get slimed on Nickelodeon. New York City is shaking off the dust from the ’70s, but I’d still kill to live in Alex’s walkup.
“Fatal Attraction” is nearly perfect. Its 120 minutes will coast by. The real-life tension of a bad relationship turned to obsession is enough fodder to make anyone uncomfortable. The lasciviousness isn’t over done as is the case with most other erotic thrillers. Perfect watch as we ease into the season of horror.
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