Basic Instinct • Member Bonus

In the early 1990s, Hollywood was abuzz with the idea of bringing back the erotic thriller. Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas, reportedly irked by Shane Black breaking his record for the highest-paid screenplay with Lethal Weapon, set out to write a script that would reclaim his title. In just 10 days, fueled by the Rolling Stones, Eszterhas penned Basic Instinct, which ignited a bidding war and ultimately earned him a cool $3 million – an unprecedented sum at the time. Enter director Paul Verhoeven, known for pushing boundaries and eager to create a sexy, daring film that would test the limits of what Hollywood would allow. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1993 Academy Award Best Editing Nominees series with a conversation about Basic Instinct.

In this episode, we dive into the intricately woven plot of Basic Instinct, discussing the central mystery surrounding the identity of the ice pick killer. We explore the debate about whether the film maintains its suspense if viewers believe Catherine Tramell to be the killer from the opening scene. Despite this potential issue, the script’s strength lies in its ability to create a world of morally ambiguous characters, each capable of murder, leaving the audience guessing until the very end. The compelling psychological cat-and-mouse game between Sharon Stone’s Catherine Tramell and Michael Douglas’s Detective Nick Curran keeps viewers engaged, regardless of their initial suspicions.

We also delve into the film’s controversial elements, including its graphic violence, explicit sexuality, and the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. The film faced significant criticism from the LGBTQ+ community upon its release, and many of these concerns remain valid when viewed through a contemporary lens. Verhoeven’s determination to push the boundaries of what was acceptable in Hollywood at the time is evident throughout the film, from the infamous leg-uncrossing scene to the numerous depictions of nudity and sex. Despite the darker aspects of the characters, particularly Nick Curran’s troubled past and questionable actions, Basic Instinct manages to weave a compelling neo-noir thriller that keeps the audience engaged and eager to unravel the mystery.

Basic Instinct, with its layered characters, shocking twists, and unapologetic exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, remains a significant entry in the erotic thriller genre. While its graphic content, controversial elements, and problematic representation of the LGBTQ+ community may not sit well with everyone, the film’s ability to craft a gripping, suspenseful narrative is undeniable. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!