Originally posted by dvdx2
View Post
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
Show us your latest Blu Ray/DVD purchases
Collapse
X
-
I probably need to see it again as it's been a long time since I did, but I remember that beyond *that* scene, the angry sex and cars starting immediately, I didn't like it all that much and I promised I didn't fast-forward the talking bits.
I thought something like Jagged Edge was a better thriller.
It's an interesting point, though, that the saucy content to attract viewers is also detracts from the thriller storyline.
There are some articles about Sharon Stone's career being haunted by her lady bits, but I'm not going to risk tarnishing my search engine history by looking for it, so do your own damn research.
Comment
-
Originally posted by QualityChimpIt's an interesting point, though, that the saucy content to attract viewers is also detracts from the thriller storyline.
To be honest though, it's ages since I've seen Basic Instinct so I need to revisit it.
Originally posted by QualityChimp View PostSounds like it went up against some stiff competition.
Comment
-
Originally posted by wakka View PostI don't know if I'd agree that it does - it's what the film's most remembered for, but I don't think it takes away from the film's core. That over the top exploitation element is so much a part of how Verhoeven tells a story and gets his message across. I think if you went along with this idea, you'd have to go along with the idea that Robocop's violence detracts from its storyline of a man reclaiming his basic humanity in an inhumane world. Which would be a valid position, I think, but not one that I'd take.
Whereas others get thrown into the mix that I think are good films but not hot. Like Fatal Attraction, which is a great thriller but it's not aiming to be a sexy movie all that much.
Basic Instinct is a hot sexy thriller and the sex is very much part of its being.
Comment
-
Originally posted by wakka View PostDogg left himself wide open to that.
Originally posted by wakka View PostI don't know if I'd agree that it does - it's what the film's most remembered for, but I don't think it takes away from the film's core. That over the top exploitation element is so much a part of how Verhoeven tells a story and gets his message across. I think if you went along with this idea, you'd have to go along with the idea that Robocop's violence detracts from its storyline of a man reclaiming his basic humanity in an inhumane world. Which would be a valid position, I think, but not one that I'd take.
To be honest though, it's ages since I've seen Basic Instinct so I need to revisit it.
If you asked what people remember about Basic Instinct 9/10 people will say *that* scene, but if you ask about Robocop, you'd get a mix of answers, but I suspect it'll be one of the many violent sequences, rather than Murphy removing his facemask to look upon his face in a reflection and wonder how much of his humanity remains.
I guess I need to watch BI again, but with adult eyes and with the knowledge that a flash of ladybits doesn't have to be the most memorable part of a film.
Comment
-
Originally posted by Dogg Thang View PostI also think it's core to Basic Instinct. It's not a thriller with sex scenes - the film is sexy throughout most of it. It's running right at the heart of the movie.
It's interesting to see how blinded Douglas' character is by the horn.
He's romping around in nightclubs wearing a V-neck jumper, oblivious to the perilous situations he's letting himself be swept into.
Comment
-
He's not oblivious, I think. He knows the danger. But he's a very horny man and Sharon Stone's character plays him perfectly. She's in control for most of that movie and he just makes poor choices.
It's also interesting to compare Stone in Sliver, which is not a great movie but her performance is really good in it and she's an entirely different character. The power that she has in Basic Instinct is something she manages to portray really well.
Comment
-
He thinks he's getting what he wants, but she knows what he wants and uses that to get what she wants!
I'm sure it's not spotless feminism at play, but it's definitely interesting to see the woman in control.
Something I found interesting during my recent watch of Gone Girl and the jostling of the leads to outdo each other and be in charge.
Comment
-
Funnily enough, this review just appeared on my Twitter feed:
Maria Lattila reviews the new release of the classic Paul Verhoeven erotic thriller Basic Instinct, starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone
"While Trammell seems like a strong female character, openly sexual and intelligent, constantly one-upping the bumbling male detectives, this characterisation is shallow and, in the end, only plays into the male fantasy of such a woman, one that ultimately submits themselves to a man, in the bedroom as well as outside of it. In Basic Instinct, patriarchy and the male gaze remains the equilibrium, the balance which keeps the world turning. While female sexuality has always been something of a taboo in cinema and watching a woman use her sexuality to her gain is refreshing and at times, exciting, Verhoeven’s film still retains a male-focused view. Women are objectified and just because we’re shown a woman openly enjoying sex, it doesn’t make the portrayal a positive one.
But Stone’s performance is still one for the ages. Her dynamic and chemistry with Michael Douglas is undeniably erotic and magnetic. She is in total control in her scenes, drawing the viewer’s eye and all her lines are delivered with such sweet gratification and sensuality, it’s impossible not to fall under her spell. Her performance is bold and impressive and not because of the nudity, but because of how committed Stone is at all times, fully understanding Trammell’s motivations and character."
Comment
Comment