Review of Basic Instinct (1992) by Sidney S — 06 Aug 2012

A pulse pounding thriller with an eerie atmosphere and a very dark and deceiving story. Paul Verhoeven's Basic Instinct is an underrated 90's cult classic that pushes the boundaries of film noir and also romance, despite being a dramatic mystery with a twist of horror.

The story is brilliantly grim with a very cat and mouse style theme to it, Sharon Stone plays a brilliant author who also so happens to be a master manipulator and deceptive liar when she becomes the prime suspect in a murder case involving one of her books. Stone is powerful, smart, sexy and at the same time scary, devious and treacherous. Michael Douglas gives a solid performance as the crooked cop on the trail of the mystery who ends up trapped in her mind games. Just as he gets closer to proving her guilty he winds up in his own dilemmas brought upon by her (presumably).

This film is often underrated and mostly panned by critics due to its controversial and sexual nature surrounding the plot. I found that it added a whole new personal level to it. What made the film the most enjoyable for me was the cat and mouse games between Douglas and Stone but also the music, lighting and tone to the film, it was a straight up neo-noir film. From the dark lighting, shadows and cigarette smoke, the the music bringing forth an heir of mystique.

My one complaint would be the ending, its so ambiguous yet at the same time its obvious, I loved the story because I knew there would be some twists and shocking reveals, and there was but the ending just didn't do it for me. It was almost too easy to suspect the killer, it was suitable but it leaves you wondering what happens next, was she really the killer or was it SPOILERS (the doctor?) Anyhow I found this film very enjoyable, very thrilling and easy to get into. Douglas and Stone perfectly fit there roles and gave great performances, they had great chemistry from attraction to enemies. The subject matter is controversial but go in expecting a deep and very grim movie that isn't afraid to push the boundaries of the rating system.