Basic Instinct (Paul Verhoeven, 1992)

• 18 Aug 11:36
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Basic Instinct is a 1992 erotic thriller directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Joe Eszterhas, starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone.

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.

Despite initial critical negativity and public protest, Basic Instinct became one of the most financially successful films of the 1990s. 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. In 2006, a sequel, Basic Instinct 2, was released; it was...

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