Basic Instinct

Basic Instinct

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Paul Verhoeven
Produced by Mario Kassar
Alan Marshall (producer)
Written by Joe Eszterhas
Starring Michael Douglas
Sharon Stone
Music by Jerry Goldsmith
Cinematography Jan de Bont
Editing by Frank J. Urioste
Studio Carolco Pictures
StudioCanal
Distributed by TriStar Pictures
Release date(s) March 20, 1992
Running time Theatrical cut
127 minutes
Director's cut
128 minutes
Unrated Director's cut
129 minutes
Country United States
France
Language English
Budget $49 million (estimated)
Gross revenue $352,927,224[1]
Followed by Basic Instinct 2

Basic Instinct is a 1992 American thriller film, directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Joe Eszterhas, starring Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas.

The film centers on police detective Nick Curran (Douglas), who is investigating the brutal murder of a wealthy former rock star. Manipulative, attractive crime writer Catherine Tramell (Stone) may be involved and over the course of the investigation, Detective Curran becomes personally involved in a torrid and intense relationship with the mysterious woman.

Even before its release, Basic Instinct generated heated controversy due to its overt sexuality and graphic depiction of violence. It was also strongly opposed by gay rights activists, who criticized the film's depiction of homosexual relationships and the portrayal of a bisexual woman as a psychopathic serial killer.[2] The film was also widely ridiculed because in reality the police would have solved the case using DNA.

Despite initial critical negativity and public protest, Basic Instinct became one of the most financially successful films of the 1990s.[3] In 2006, a sequel was released, which was critically panned and became a commercial flop. Multiple versions of the film have been released on Videocassette, DVD and Blu-Ray including a director's cut with extended footage previously unseen in North American cinemas.

Contents

Plot

Sharon Stone as Catherine Tramell, during the interrogation scene.

When a wealthy former rock star named Johnny Boz is brutally stabbed to death with an ice pick during sexual intercourse, Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) is sent to investigate. The only suspect is Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone), a crime novelist who was the last to be seen with Boz on the night he died. Nick and his partner, Gus Moran (George Dzundza), visit her Pacific Heights mansion; but they find only Catherine's lesbian lover, Roxy (Leilani Sarelle), who sends them to Catherine's Stinson Beach house, where they find her sitting in a deckchair by the ocean. When they ask about her relationship with Boz, she shows little remorse at hearing he is dead.

Nick and Gus, along with their superiors, discover that Catherine has written a novel about a former rock star who was killed in the same way as Boz—tied to the bed with a white scarf and stabbed with an ice pick. During questioning at police headquarters, Catherine engages in provocative behavior, refusing to extinguish her cigarette and uncrossing her legs under her short skirt, revealing she isn't wearing underwear.

Because he accidentally shot a tourist in an earlier case, Nick also attends counseling sessions with Police psychologist Dr. Beth Garner (Jeanne Tripplehorn), with whom he also has had an affair. Later that night, Nick goes to a bar with co-workers and is taunted by Lt. Nilsen (Daniel von Bargen), an Internal Affairs investigator bent on making life difficult for Nick. When Beth Garner arrives, Nick leaves with her and at her apartment they engage in rough sex including sodomy.

Nick learns that Catherine's parents were killed when she was an adolescent, leaving her a fortune, that when she was majoring in psychology, her counselor at college was also murdered with an ice pick, and that Catherine's fiancé, a boxer, was killed in the ring. He also discovers that Catherine makes a habit of befriending murderers, including a woman who stabbed her husband and children for no apparent reason.

During a visit to her house, Catherine taunts Nick with information that should be confidential. As police psychologist, Beth Garner is the only person with access to that information. When Nick confronts Beth, she admits that she handed his file to Nilsen, who threatened to discharge Nick if he couldn't evaluate Nick directly. An enraged Nick storms into Nilsen's office, assaults him, and accuses him of having sold Nick's file to Catherine. Nilsen then suspends Nick, who goes home, spending the evening drinking. Beth visits him, but after a heated argument, he throws her out. Later that night, Nilsen is found in his car, dead from a single gunshot to the head. Because of their recent altercation, Nick is the prime suspect.

A torrid affair between Nick and Catherine begins with the air of a cat-and-mouse game. Catherine explains that she will base her next novel's character, a cop falling for the wrong woman only to be killed by her, on Nick, while at the same time he declares his love for her and his unchanged intention to nail her for Boz's murder. Roxy, Catherine's lover, is jealous, and tries to run Nick over with Catherine's car, but Nick chases her and she is killed in a car crash. Her death reveals that she had a murderous past.

After Roxy's death, Catherine seems genuinely shocked, which makes Nick doubt her guilt. Catherine also reveals that a previous lesbian encounter at college went amiss, when the girl became obsessed with her. Nick, trying to learn more about the events, identifies the girl as Beth Garner, who acknowledges the encounter, but claims it was Catherine that got obsessed. When checking on Beth's background, he learns that her husband was shot several years earlier under unsolved circumstances, that Beth had another lesbian affair, and that Nilsen had investigated these connections the year before.

When visiting Catherine, she explains that she has finished her book, and coldly ends the affair. A dejected Nick accompanies Gus, who has arranged to meet with Catherine's college roommate at a hotel. As the suspended Nick waits in the car, Gus enters the hotel and is stabbed in the elevator by a hooded figure, in the way described in Catherine's new book. Nick figures out there is trouble brewing and runs into the building, but he arrives too late to save Gus from bleeding to death. Hearing the floor creak, Nick grabs Gus's gun and turns to find Beth standing in the hallway, explaining she received a message to meet Gus there. However, Nick suspects that she murdered Gus, and as Beth moves her hand in her pocket, he shoots her. With her final breath, Beth tells Nick that she loved him. A dejected Nick checks her pocket, only to find her keys.

The police arrive, and in a staircase discover a blond wig, a SFPD raincoat, and an ice pick, the weapon used to murder Gus, concluding that Beth ditched the items when she heard Nick coming up. A search of Beth's apartment turns up the evidence needed to brand her as the killer of Boz, Gus, and presumably her own husband, the matching revolver, Catherine's novels, and photos chronicling the writer's life.

Nick returns to his flat, where he is visited by Catherine. She explains her reluctance to commit to him, but then the two make love. Afterward, the conversation turns toward their possible future as a couple. While talking, Nick turns his back on Catherine as she slowly reaches for something underneath the bed. Catherine stops when Nick senses her stillness, he looks around with distrust in his eyes, and she throws her arms around him and the two resume making love as the camera slowly pans down to show what she was reaching for under the bed; an ice pick.

Cast

Production

The screenplay, written sometime in the 1980s, was popular enough to prompt a bidding war; it was eventually purchased by Carolco, for a reported USD$3 million.[4][5] Eszterhas, who wrote the film in 13 days,[6] and who had been the creative source for several other blockbusters, including Flashdance (1983) and Jagged Edge (1985), was replaced by Gary Goldman as the writer; as Eszterhas and producer Irwin Winkler walked off the picture after failing to reach agreement with Verhoeven over how the film should be tackled. Verhoeven promptly hired Total Recall (1990) writer Goldman to come up with some new scenes, most of which butched up Douglas's character and made him less weak and self-destructive as a person.[7] These changes were largely made at the behest of Michael Douglas.[7] It was during this stage that Verhoeven realized his changes weren't going to work so he had to publicly make up with Eszterhas. Problems recurred later when Eszterhas wanted to make more changes to appease the gay and lesbian communities. Verhoeven point-blank refused to incorporate these changes. However, after 5 months of rewrites, Verhoeven went back to the original script. Original drafts included the concept of the love scene between Nick and Catherine in Catherine's apartment. The scene would have been even longer and more explicit than the version finally shot and included in the movie. The stars and director thought the sexual acrobatics were too long and overtly extreme to be believed and the scene was scaled back to the existing version.

The initial production title Love Hurts was quickly changed to Basic Instinct, but was later re-used as the name of Tramell's murder novel. Tri-Star Pictures, which had the United States distribution deal with Carolco at that time, played that role for Basic Instinct. Warner Brothers Pictures acquired help during the production, including building the Johnny Boz Club.[7] Adjusted for inflation, the budget of the film was an estimated USD$49,000,000.[8]

Douglas took the role after several actors, including Peter Weller, Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Denzel Washington, Kurt Russell, Mickey Rourke, Alec Baldwin, Don Johnson, Tom Cruise, Kevin Costner, Mel Gibson, Robert De Niro, Sean Penn, John Heard, Tom Hanks, Charlie Sheen and Patrick Swayze turned it down. In preparation for the car chase scene, Douglas reportedly drove up the steps on Kearny Street in San Francisco for four nights by himself. When residents complained, $25,000 was donated to their community center. Douglas recommended Kim Basinger for the role of Catherine Tramell, but Basinger declined. Greta Scacchi[9] and Meg Ryan[10] also turned down the role, as did Michelle Pfeiffer, Geena Davis, Kathleen Turner, Ellen Barkin, and Mariel Hemingway.[4] Verhoeven considered Demi Moore.[11] Stone was a relative unknown until the success of this movie; she was paid a minimal amount of $500,000 for her role as Catherine Tramell, considering the film's extensive production budget. Stone was later paid $13.6 million for Basic Instinct 2, in 2006. Stone was cast by Verhoeven because he was extremely fond of her performance in his Total Recall, a film in which Stone played a manipulative, sexually provocative character, not dissimilar to Tramell.

Filming commenced on April 5, 1991 and concluded on September 10, 1991.[8] Filming in San Francisco was attended by demonstrations by gay and lesbian rights activists,[12] and San Francisco Police Department riot police had to be present at every location every day to deal exclusively with the crowd. See Portrayal of homosexuals below.

In addition, Verhoeven initially fought during the production and filming for a lesbian love scene to be added to the script over the objection of Eszterhas, who thought such a scene would be far too gratuitous. Verhoeven eventually agreed with Eszterhas and apologized to him for forcing the issue. Following the success of Basic Instinct, Ezsterhas and Verhoeven went on to collaborate on Showgirls.

MPAA rating

Basic Instinct is rated R for "strong violence and sensuality, and for drug use and language". It was initially given an NC-17 rating by the MPAA, but under pressure from TriStar, Verhoeven cut 35 to 40 seconds to gain an R rating.[4] Verhoeven described the changes in a March 1992 article in The New York Times:

Actually, I didn't have to cut many things, but I replaced things from different angles, made it a little more elliptical, a bit less direct.[4]

The film was subsequently re-released in its uncut format on video and later on DVD.

Critical reception

Director, producers and stars at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival.

The film was entered into the 1992 Cannes Film Festival.[13]

The film's critical reaction was mixed. Janet Maslin of The New York Times praised the film, saying "Basic Instinct transfers Mr. Verhoeven's flair for action-oriented material to the realm of Hitchcockian intrigue, and the results are viscerally effective even when they don't make sense."[14] Peter Travers of Rolling Stone Magazine also praised the film, saying it was a guilty pleasure film, he also expressed admiration for Verhoeven's direction, saying "[his] cinematic wet dream delivers the goods, especially when Sharon Stone struts on with enough come-on carnality to singe the screen," and praised Stone's performance: "Stone, a former model, is a knockout; she even got a rise out of Ah-nold in Verhoeven's Total Recall. But being the bright spot in too many dull movies (He Said, She Said; Irreconcilable Differences) stalled her career. Though Basic Instinct establishes Stone as a bombshell for the Nineties, it also shows she can nail a laugh or shade an emotion with equal aplomb."[15]

The film was not without its detractors.[16] Roger Ebert of The Chicago Sun-Times dismissed the film: giving it two out of four stars, stating that the film is well crafted, yet dies down in the last half hour: "The film is like a crossword puzzle. It keeps your interest until you solve it, by the ending. Then it's just a worthless scrap with the spaces filled in."[17] On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of 60%.

The international critical reception was favorable, with Australian critic Shannon J. Harvey of the Sunday Times calling it one of the "1990s finest productions, doing more for female empowerment than any feminist rally. Stone – in her star-making performance – is as hot and sexy as she is ice-pick cold."[18]

The film was nominated for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globes. Jerry Goldsmith, the composer, was nominated for both awards for his original score. It was also nominated for an Edgar Award.[16] Frank Urioste was nominated for an Academy Award for film editing and Sharon Stone was nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actress, for her performance as Tramell. It was also nominated for three Razzie Awards including Worst Actor (Douglas), Worst Supporting Actress (Tripplehorn) and Worst New Star (Sharon Stone's "Tribute to Theodore Cleaver", AKA her vagina).

Box office performance

Basic Instinct opened in theaters in the United States and was one of the highest grossing films of 1992, after its March 29 release. In its opening week, the film grossed $15 million. It was the ninth highest-grossing film of 1992, adjusted for inflation, it grossed $352,927,224 worldwide.

Releases and versions

Following the theatrical version, the film was first released in its uncut format onto video in 1992, running at 129 minutes. This was followed by a DVD release in 1997, in a bare-bones format. A "Collector's Edition" setup was released on DVD in 2001, containing the Special Edition of the DVD and an ice-pick pen (the villain's weapon of choice). This version of the film, running 127 minutes, was re-released twice: in 2003 and 2006.

In March of 2006 an unrated director's cut version was released on DVD and labeled "Ultimate Edition". In 2007, the film was released in Blu-Ray and HD DVD format with the "Director's Cut" label as well. All three of these director's cut versions have a stated run time of 128 minutes.

The film was cut by 35–40 seconds to avoid an NC-17 rating on its theatrical release in 1992,[4] with some violence and sexuality explicit content removed. The missing or censored material (later released on video and DVD as the directors cut) included:

Controversy

The film generated controversy due to its overt sexuality and graphic depiction of violence. During principal photography the film was protested by gay rights activists who felt that the film followed a pattern of negative depiction of homosexuals in the film industry.[19] Members of the lesbian and bisexual activist group LABIA protested against the film on its opening night. The group GLAAD released a statement protesting the film's alleged stereotypical and homophobic portrayal of homosexuals. These criticism were echoed by bisexuals. Film critic Roger Ebert mentioned the controversy in his review, saying "As for the allegedly offensive homosexual characters: The movie's protesters might take note of the fact that this film's heterosexuals, starting with Douglas, are equally offensive. Still, there is a point to be made about Hollywood's unremitting insistence on typecasting homosexuals – particularly lesbians – as twisted and evil."[20] However, outspoken bisexual writer Camille Paglia has not only defended Basic Instinct, but called it her "favorite film", even providing an audio commentary track on the various special edition DVD releases of Basic Instinct.

Soundtrack

Basic Instinct (Music From & Inspired by the Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Soundtrack by Various artists
Released March 17, 1992
Genre Soundtrack
Length 57:12
Label Capitol Records

Apart from the film score, professionally released music did not play a major part in Basic Instinct. The prominent music scene occurs during the club scene; Curran, Tramell and Roxy are seen at in Downtown San Francisco. It features Blue by Chicago singer LaTour and Rave the Rhythm performed by the group Channel X. It also features Movin’ On Up by Jeff Barry and Janet DuBois. The soundtrack also contains excerpts of dialogue, including the interrogation scene.

The soundtrack was released on March 17, 1992. A 2 disc version of Jerry Goldsmith's score, featuring previously omitted sections and alternative compositions of certain elements, was given a limited release years later.

Track listing
  1. "Main Title" 2:13
  2. "Crossed Legs" 4:49
  3. "Night Life" 6:03
  4. "Kitchen Help" 3:58
  5. "Pillow Talk" 4:59
  6. "Morning After" 2:29
  7. "The Games Are Over" 5:53
  8. "Catherine's Sorrow" 2:41
  9. "Roxy Loses" 3:37
  10. "Unending Story / End Credits" 9:23
  11. Blue – LaTour 7:42

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=basicinstinct.htm
  2. ↑ Censored Films and Television at University of Virginia online
  3. ↑ Basic Instinct at Box Office Mojo; accessed November 5, 2007.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Weinraub, Bernard (March 15, 1992). "'Basic Instinct': The Suspect Is Attractive, and May Be Fatal". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/15/movies/film-basic-instinct-the-suspect-is-attractive-and-may-be-fatal.html?pagewanted=all. Retrieved 2009-08-09. "But the sexual content of the film helped determine the choice of its female star. Ms. Stone, who played Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife in "Total Recall", was cast in "Basic Instinct" only after better-known actresses like Michelle Pfeiffer, Kim Basinger, Geena Davis, Ellen Barkin and Mariel Hemingway rejected her part, largely because it demanded so much nudity and sexual simulation." 
  5. ↑ Basic Instinct at UK Critic; accessed November 5, 2007.
  6. ↑ Joe Eszterhas interview at Moviemaker; accessed November 4, 2007.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Basic Instinct (1992) – Trivia from Internet Movie Database
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Basic Instinct (1992) – Box office / business from the Internet Movie Database
  9. ↑ Greta Scacchi, a BBC Drama Faces article
  10. ↑ Meg Ryan: In The Cut (Interviewed by Stephen Applebaum), an October 2003 BBC article
  11. ↑ Bryce Hallett (10 February 2001). "Her world's a stage". Sydney Morning Herald. pp. 3. 
  12. ↑ Basic Instinct (Making of, The). 20th Century Fox. 2001. 
  13. ↑ "Festival de Cannes: Basic Instinct". festival-cannes.com. http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/3/year/1992.html. Retrieved 2009-08-13. 
  14. ↑ Maslin, Janet. Basic Instinct. New York Times; accessed November 5, 2007.
  15. ↑ Travers, Peter. Basic Instinct. Rolling Stone; accessed November 5, 2007.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Lundin, Leigh (2010-07-25). "Erotic Mystery Thrillers". sex-n-violence. Criminal Brief. http://www.criminalbrief.com/?p=13152. 
  17. ↑ Reviews :: Basic Instinct from Roger Ebert's website
  18. ↑ Basic Instinct at Rotten Tomatoes; accessed November 5, 2007.
  19. ↑ Los Angeles Times, April 29, 1991: Gays Bashing Basic Instinct. See also Phyllis Burke, Family Values: Two Moms and Their Son. New York: Random House (1993), which covers the protests over several chapters.
  20. ↑ "Basic Instinct". Chicago Sun-Times. http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19920320/REVIEWS/203200301/1023. 

External links

Films directed by Paul Verhoeven
1970s
Business Is Business (1971) · Turkish Delight (1973) · Katie Tippel (1975) · Soldier of Orange (1977) · All Things Pass (1979)
1980s
Spetters (1980) · The Fourth Man (1983) · Flesh & Blood (1985) · RoboCop (1987)
1990s
Total Recall (1990) · Basic Instinct (1992) · Showgirls (1995) · Starship Troopers (1997)
2000s
Hollow Man (2000) · Black Book (2006)