Directed by Paul Verhoeven and released in 1992, Basic Instinct is a provocative neo-noir thriller that revolves around the investigation of a brutal murder. The film stars Michael Douglas as troubled San Francisco detective Nick Curran and Sharon Stone as seductive, enigmatic novelist Catherine Tramell.
The story begins when rock star Johnny Boz is found dead and Nick becomes involved with Catherine, the prime suspect. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Catherine’s latest novel bears eerie similarities to the crime, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
Basic Instinct - Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
Movie: | Basic Instinct |
Genre: | Erotic Thriller, Mystery |
Language: | English |
Director: | Paul Verhoeven |
Main Cast: | Michael Douglas as Detective Nick Curran, George Dzundza as Detective Gus Moran |
Release Date: | March 20, 1992 (USA) |
Banner: | Carolco Pictures, TriStar Pictures |
Music: | Not available |
Budget: | $49 million |
Runtime: | 2 hours 7 minutes (127 minutes) |
Their intense sexual chemistry complicates the investigation as Nick becomes increasingly obsessed with her. The character of Catherine is notorious for her ambiguity and intelligence that makes viewers doubt her innocence. The film explores themes of manipulation, lust, and the dark side of human nature. Its iconic scenes, especially the infamous interrogation sequence featuring Catherine’s infamous cross-legged pose, made the film a cultural landmark.
Basic Instinct received mixed reviews upon its release, but has garnered significant support for its bold handling of sexuality and tension. Stone’s cinematography, music, and acting in particular have cemented its place in film history and a defining contribution to the erotic thriller genre.