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IMDbPro

Basic Instinct

  • 19921992
  • RR
  • 2h 7m
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
197K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
522
57
Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)
Home Video Trailer from Artisan
Play trailer1:10
2 Videos
99+ Photos
  • Drama
  • Mystery
  • Thriller
A violent police detective investigates a brutal murder that might involve a manipulative and seductive novelist.A violent police detective investigates a brutal murder that might involve a manipulative and seductive novelist.A violent police detective investigates a brutal murder that might involve a manipulative and seductive novelist.
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
197K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
522
57
  • Director
    • Paul Verhoeven
  • Writer
    • Joe Eszterhas
  • Stars
    • Michael Douglas
    • Sharon Stone
    • George Dzundza
Top credits
  • Director
    • Paul Verhoeven
  • Writer
    • Joe Eszterhas
  • Stars
    • Michael Douglas
    • Sharon Stone
    • George Dzundza
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 407User reviews
    • 144Critic reviews
    • 41Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 2 Oscars
      • 5 wins & 23 nominations total

    Videos2

    Basic Instinct
    Trailer 1:10
    Basic Instinct
    'Basic Instinct' | Anniversary Mashup
    Clip 1:29
    'Basic Instinct' | Anniversary Mashup

    Photos170

    Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Michael Douglas, Mitch Pileggi, and Stephen Rowe in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Paul Verhoeven in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Sharon Stone and David Wells in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)
    Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Michael Douglas
    Michael Douglas
    • Det. Nick Curranas Det. Nick Curran
    Sharon Stone
    Sharon Stone
    • Catherine Tramellas Catherine Tramell
    George Dzundza
    George Dzundza
    • Det. Gus Moranas Det. Gus Moran
    Jeanne Tripplehorn
    Jeanne Tripplehorn
    • Dr. Beth Garneras Dr. Beth Garner
    Denis Arndt
    Denis Arndt
    • Lt. Phil Walkeras Lt. Phil Walker
    Leilani Sarelle
    Leilani Sarelle
    • Roxy Hardyas Roxy Hardy
    Bruce A. Young
    Bruce A. Young
    • Det. Sam Andrewsas Det. Sam Andrews
    Chelcie Ross
    Chelcie Ross
    • Captain Talcottas Captain Talcott
    Dorothy Malone
    Dorothy Malone
    • Hazel Dobkinsas Hazel Dobkins
    Wayne Knight
    Wayne Knight
    • ADA John Correlias ADA John Correli
    Daniel von Bargen
    Daniel von Bargen
    • Lt. Martin Nilsenas Lt. Martin Nilsen
    • (as Daniel Von Bargen)
    Stephen Tobolowsky
    Stephen Tobolowsky
    • Dr. Lamottas Dr. Lamott
    Benjamin Mouton
    Benjamin Mouton
    • Detective Harriganas Detective Harrigan
    Jack McGee
    Jack McGee
    • Sheriffas Sheriff
    Bill Cable
    • Johnny Bozas Johnny Boz
    Stephen Rowe
    • Internal Affairs Investigatoras Internal Affairs Investigator
    Mitch Pileggi
    Mitch Pileggi
    • Internal Affairs Investigatoras Internal Affairs Investigator
    Mary Pat Gleason
    Mary Pat Gleason
    • Juvenile Officeras Juvenile Officer
    • Director
      • Paul Verhoeven
    • Writer
      • Joe Eszterhas
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      No body doubles were used in any of the sex scenes.
    • Goofs
      (at around 45 mins) When Nick calls up Hazel Dobkin's police record it states that she was released from San Quentin in 1965. San Quentin has been men only since 1934.
    • Quotes

      Catherine: You know I don't like to wear any underwear, don't you, Nick?

    • Alternate versions
      The European release is much more explicit than the American release (which had to be submitted seven times to the MPAA in order to avoid an NC-17 rating). The European version is available unrated on video in the US. The US version uses alternate, less explicit takes of several scenes to tone down the sex content.
      • The murder of Johnny Boz in the opening scene is more graphic; we see the killer stabbing him in his neck, stabbing him repeatedly in the chest, in the face and we see the ice-pick passing through his nose.
      • The scene where Nick rapes Beth is severely cut in the US version (we see ripping off her underwear and forcing her over the couch, then there's a cut to the two of them lying in bed). In the uncut version Nick pulls down his pants, penetrates Beth from behind and he apparently has an orgasm.
      • The scene where Nick and Catherine make love after going to the disco is longer much more explicit in the uncut version (Nick is seen burying his face between her legs).
    • Connections
      Edited into Y2K (1999)
    • Soundtracks
      Movin' on Up
      Written by Jeff Barry and Ja'net DuBois (as Janet DuBois)

      Courtesy of ELP Communications

    User reviews407

    Review
    Top review
    9/10
    What A Film!
    This is one of my favorite films, even though it has some problems.

    The film caused controversy with some of the gay crowd (who didn't like the negative press) and for the graphic sex (with bedroom violence). It became a box office winner, that made Sharon Stone a star, and yet was basically p****d on by the critics! The word is the film is better than your average B movie skin flick, only by the quality of the actors, and Verhoeven's ability. I feel the film is still not given the respect it's due.

    I first saw the R-rated version, which is very good, but now you can get the even better Unrated Director's Cut, which has even more graphic content! If you don't like erotic-thrillers, then don't see it. But anyone with taste will enjoy the thrill ride of events that take place in Basic Instinct. The script by Joe Eszterhas was highly thought of in Hollywood, and if not for the graphic nudity, a top star like Michelle Pfeiffer would have taken the role made famous by Sharon stone.

    Does the script go too far at times? Yes, but that's part of the films charm, and after all, the now 'classic film moment' of Sharon Stone's leg spread interrogation, likely would have been dropped in a conventional film. Still though, I wouldn't have minded seeing a few less people getting killed off, to keep even more suspense and realism.

    The score is also beautiful, and fans of Hitchcock's great "Vertigo" can appreciate the homage that Paul Verhoeven has included. The film has a lot of eye candy, but Jeanne Tripplehorn deserves special mention for her impressive supporting role (sadly she hasn't done much of note since). Michael Douglas does a solid job also, but I can't help wondering if a better actor like Clint Eastwood could have brought more to the table. The dialogue is not up to the level of "Pulp Fiction", but it's still interesting and fun.

    I highly recommend this film for fans of adult mystery.
    helpful•224
    60
    • btbshining
    • Sep 18, 2001

    FAQ14

    • What is 'Basic Instinct' about?
    • Is 'Basic Instinct' based on a book?
    • What is the basic instinct?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 20, 1992 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • France
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Love Hurts
    • Filming locations
      • 2930 Vallejo Street, Pacific Heights, San Francisco, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Carolco Pictures
      • Canal+
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $49,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $117,727,224
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $15,129,385
      • Mar 22, 1992
    • Gross worldwide
      • $352,927,224
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 7 minutes
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby SR
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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