Another trashy thriller that tries to shock and scare you to the edge of your seat, "Basic Instinct" is a classic example of bad technique. Paul Verhoeven's forceful directing and poor method ensure that the potentially intriguing plot is lost in the sex and violence. The film desperately needed toning down, as subtlety and a well-worked script would have been so much more effective.
Michael Douglas is okay, but his detective character is so painfully stupid it's unbelievable. Sharon Stone has shown she poses no threat to the likes of Glen Close and Rebecca De Mornay, as she fails to absorb her character in any way. Supporting cast Jeanne Tripplehorn and George Dzundza outshine the two stars by far.
The sexiness of the film just serves as a distraction, in a movie that never ever lives up to expectations. The comedy also fails dismally. "Basic Instinct" does manage to entertain, but only at a low level. What a shame; that script could have really been something, in the right hands.
PS Oh, what's all the confusion about who did it? Is it not obvious from the final scene?
Friday, May 29, 1992 - Knox District Centre
Michael Douglas is okay, but his detective character is so painfully stupid it's unbelievable. Sharon Stone has shown she poses no threat to the likes of Glen Close and Rebecca De Mornay, as she fails to absorb her character in any way. Supporting cast Jeanne Tripplehorn and George Dzundza outshine the two stars by far.
The sexiness of the film just serves as a distraction, in a movie that never ever lives up to expectations. The comedy also fails dismally. "Basic Instinct" does manage to entertain, but only at a low level. What a shame; that script could have really been something, in the right hands.
PS Oh, what's all the confusion about who did it? Is it not obvious from the final scene?
Friday, May 29, 1992 - Knox District Centre