The truth is, I failed to get into Basic instinct. As I tried to watch it for the first time, a distinct feeling that the film was made for men and not me soon came over me. Of course, I’m not suggesting that one can’t enjoy a movie targeted at the opposite gender.
It’s just that, similarly to Breaking Bad, which, shockingly to many, I quit at episode five/six, the story didn’t sufficiently appeal to me. I couldn’t connect with it or the characters.
I tried my best to watch director Paul Verhoeven’s infamous detective drama/crime/thriller for more than 30 minutes, but I had to stop. It may be that I simply wasn’t in the right mood to take in a story about a violent police detective (Michael Douglas) who’s investigating a brutal murder that may involve a manipulative/seductive novelist (Sharon Stone).
Or, it could be that the film is ‘of its time.’ Therefore, my tastes, interests, and needs have evolved. Either way, I suspect it didn’t help that the detective movies I’d watched most recently turned out to be less than great. I.e. The Postcard Killings (2020) and Hangman (2017).
Still, one day I may re-attempt Verhoeven’s film. Do you think it would be worth retrying? Are you a fan of Basic instinct? Kindly release your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy Film Loving,
G
I also haven’t seen this movie. But I’m not surprised by your response.
As always, give it a try if you’re curious. There’s always a chance that you could surprise yourself. 🤓
Ok, yes. 😀
To elaborate, I have seen it when it came out and I remember it was a huge success in my country. I also remember it has a very specific pacing and on top of that 90s style, which I suspect you could not get into. I do think you should give it another try when you are in a better mood (for this specific type of story).
You made me curious now about how it would make me feel about 20+ years since I saw it last. It was quite controversial and hot/sexy when it came out, nowadays the whole thing probably comes across as very tame, even mundane. Certain movie themes are timeless and others age very rapidly in this crazy world we live in.
The bottom line is that some movies reflect the time they were made in a way that is impossible to understand unless you are living it. In your case, I know you were alive when it came out, I’m just not sure if you were at the age that would be ok to watch it, and that plays a part as well.
You guessed right. I was alive when the movie was released but too young to see it, let alone have any awareness of it.
The 90s style/pacing may have something to do with the ease with which I stopped watching, but I suspect the ‘for men’ aspect .was a greater contributing factor.
I may try once more to see Basic Instinct and hope the super strong male focus isn’t too off-putting. Do let me know what you think if you watch it again. As always, thank you for sharing your thoughts. 🤓🥂
I would say Basic Instinct is definitely made for men (and lesbians, although there was some controversy about that). It’s worth watching at least once to see Paul Verhoeven at the height of his fame. Before he ruined it with Showgirls.
I do want to see why Verhoeven was such a big deal. Perhaps I’ll give Basic instinct another try, should the opportunity find me. 🤓
It’s been so long, but from what I remember, you are correct in thinking it was definitely made for men, but then again, everything was back then. We have come a long way!
Very good point. Though, for most movies I’ve seen that were made for men, that fact is not something that comes to mind almost immediately and ends up being one of the reasons I want to stop watching. Maybe I’ll give it another try in the future. A different mood might do wonders for my future reaction to this movie.