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Basic Instinct Movie Review

Basic Instinct is a 1992 neo-noir erotic thriller film directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone. It’s a famously controversial movie that is undeniably memorable when all is said and done.

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“You know I don’t like to wear any underwear, don’t you, Nick?“

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It follows a police detective as he investigates a murder and becomes sexually involved with the prime suspect – a deranged woman who uses sex as a weapon. There is a lot to be said about this film’s problematic undertones – Sharon Stone was heavily objectified and her vagina can literally be seen in one sequence. The portrayal of bisexuality is also troublesome. Although these issues did not bother me too much, I still wouldn’t agree with those who would classify this movie as being misogynistic and homophobic.

But what about the movie itself? It is your typical noir storyline of a dangerous woman and her problematic relationships with men. The only difference here is that this is a 90s neo-noir, meaning that it is infinitely more graphic and extreme than anything that came before it. In fact, this just might be the sexiest movie of all time, certainly as it regards psychological thrillers. Gay or straight, female or male, there is no denying that Sharon Stone in this movie is scorching hot and the film knew that by making her the star in every single moment.

It’s a pretty good performance and she is extremely believable in the role. Michael Douglas is also very well cast and the scenes between the two are truly magnetic. Their relationship worked, but other relationships did not as much. My main problem with Basic Instinct is that it simply felt too thin in terms of thematic resonance. Psychologically speaking, the film never goes in-depth to explore its psychopathic star. Thus, it felt pretty empty.

Regardless of its issues, I still quite enjoyed Basic Instinct. It’s a fascinating movie that could not have been made in any different time period, which makes it unique. The entertainment factor is quite high and the tension is palpable. The movie also looks and sounds cool, and it is engaging throughout. It is certainly a strange historical artifact.

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Basic Instinct is the type of movie that is perfect for long discussions as it provokes a visceral reaction from anybody who watches it. This is a strange product that could never have been made in any different time period but the nineties. Its insensitive undertones did not personally bother me, but I can definitely understand how many today would find it both misogynistic and homophobic. But it’s a lot of fun, that cannot be denied. It is slickly made, very well cast and acted, and also quite intense. This is one of the sexiest and most graphic movies ever made, and Sharon Stone is scorching hot in a star-making turn. It’s no Hitchcock whatsoever as it is psychologically quite empty, but great entertainment it most surely is.

My Rating – 3.5