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:

While talking with David Letterman on "Late Show with David Letterman" (1993), Emma Thompson referred to auditioning for the role of Alex (it was in the context of a story she was telling). Letterman asked if she really did audition and she said 'yes'.

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:

Featured in "The Directors: The Films of Adrian Lyne" (????)

Soundtrack:

ALFIE

Close Call For Douglas

I've re-watched it on DVD and it's still an amazing, unforgettable nightmare film, spawning countless imitators and a multitude of discussion. Glenn Close will forever be identified as the unhinged colleague of married with child Michael Douglas who have a brief fling that Douglas lives to regret. Close should have won the Academy Award for her electrifying portrayal of an attractive, seemingly ground woman who eventually lashes out in acid-spewing, bunny-boiling, knife-wielding hysteria. Douglas is equally effective, beautifully conveying increasing angst and guilt. The subject was done before in at least "Possessed" (1947) and "Play Misty For Me" (1971), but not quite as effective and engrossing as this well-directed thriller. I definitely prefer the panic-stricken theatrical ending to the overly low-key and unexciting original cut. See it with a significant other!