Fatal Attraction (1987)

Director:

Adrian Lyne

Writers (WGA):

James Dearden (screenplay)
James Dearden (short film by)

Release Date:

18 September 1987 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

On the other side of drinks, dinner and a one night stand, lies a terrifying love story.

Plot:

A married man's one night stand comes back to haunt him when that lover begins to stalk him and his family.

Plot Keywords:

Affair | New York | Stabbed To Death | Woman Killing | Killing A Pet

Awards:

Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 14 nominations

Cast

Michael Douglas	...	Dan Gallagher
Glenn Close	...	Alex Forrest
Anne Archer	...	Beth Gallagher
Ellen Hamilton Latzen	...	Ellen Gallagher
Stuart Pankin	...	Jimmy
Ellen Foley	...	Hildy
Fred Gwynne	...	Arthur
Meg Mundy	...	Joan Rogerson
Tom Brennan	...	Howard Rogerson
Lois Smith	...	Martha
Mike Nussbaum	...	Bob Drimmer
J.J. Johnston	...	O'Rourke
Michael Arkin	...	Lieutenant
Sam Coppola	...	Fuselli (as Sam J. Coppola)
Eunice Prewitt	...	Receptionist

Also Known As:

Affairs of the Heart (USA) (original script title)
Diversion (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

119 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby | Dolby Digital (5.1 surround)

Certification:

Canada:R (Nova Scotia/Ontario) | Singapore:M18 | Iceland:16 | South Korea:18 | Philippines:R-18 | Italy:VM14 | Argentina:18 | Australia:M | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:PA (Manitoba) | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | France:-12 | Ireland:18 | Netherlands:12 | Norway:15 | Peru:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R | West Germany:16 | Malaysia:(Banned)

Filming Locations:

400 East 14th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

Apparently Adrian Lyne asked Tracey Ullman to screen test before Glenn Close won the part.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Dan pulls in to the driveway, Alex's car is not there. It is visible in the next shot through the back window.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Beth Gallagher: [to Ellen] You better get going, kiddo. You're gonna be late.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Picket Fences: Fetal Attraction (#1.18)" (1993)

Soundtrack:

WHEN I FALL IN LOVE

Great Movie!

This was a magnificent thriller - Douglas was great, Close was marvelous, but Ann Archer was the greatest. Great concept, excellent filming, perfectly executed acting. What more could one desire? Definite edge-of-the-seat pace - NOT a waste of time to see. I own the video, and I do not own many videos; this was the perfect see-it-over-and-over film. Even now, at age 50+, there are scenes that are the best I have ever witnessed in a movie. Douglas portrayed many men who finds his lover pregnant, though perhaps a bit more understanding in his initial attempt to support the woman. Close portrayed the unexpressed emotions of many women who have been in this situation, anger personified and vengeance motivated. The fact that her mental makeup was destroyed prior to her affair makes no difference in the expression of emotions, until, of course, she takes her emotions out on the family. Men, take notice! This could happen to you if you choose to have an affair. :)