Fatal Instinct (1993)

A spoof of the late '80s and early '90s suspense thrillers and murder mysteries, including Basic Instinct, Sleeping With The Enemy, and Cape Fear. A cop/attorney (yes he's both) is seduced ... See full summary »

Director:

Carl Reiner

Writer:

David O'Malley

Stars:

Armand Assante, Sherilyn Fenn, Kate Nelligan

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Armand Assante	...	Ned Ravine
Sherilyn Fenn	...	Laura Lincolnberry
Kate Nelligan	...	Lana Ravine
Sean Young	...	Lola Cain
Christopher McDonald	...	Frank Kelbo
James Remar	...	Max Shady
Tony Randall	...	Judge Skanky
Clarence Clemons	...	Clarence
Michael Cumpsty	...	Laura's Husband
John Witherspoon	...	Arch
Blake Clark	...	Milo Crumley
Edward Blanchard	...	Restroom Patron
David Greenlee	...	Restroom Stall Patron
Tim Frisbie	...	Guy in Bumper Car
Michael MacCleod	...	Freckle-Faced Kid

Storyline

A spoof of the late '80s and early '90s suspense thrillers and murder mysteries, including Basic Instinct, Sleeping With The Enemy, and Cape Fear. A cop/attorney (yes he's both) is seduced by a woman while his wife is having an affair with a mechanic. Lots of other sublots and visual gags in the style of Naked Gun. Check the rating.

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Plot Keywords:

spoof | sweating | slipping on blood | fear of trains | blonde | 

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Taglines:

Sex, murder and revenge were never this funny.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for off-color humor

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Yiddish

Release Date:

29 October 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Triple Indemnity

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$7,852,653

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A scene was filmed with Dudley Moore appearing in drag as Max Shady's mother, testifying at Lana's trial. Although the scene was cut from the movie, it is included on the DVD release.

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Goofs

At the murder scene there's a warning to be careful of all the blood on the floor. But none of the police that slip and fall seem to get any on them. Also there's no sign of blood on or coming from the body, even though there's a huge drill sticking out of him.

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Quotes

[questioning his own wife on the witness stand]
Ned Ravine: Now, Mrs. Ravine... may I call you Lana?
Lana Ravine: Oh, please, call me Angel Tits.
Lana's Prosecutor: I object!
Judge Skanky: Sustained. Counselor, you will address Angel Tits as Mrs. Ravine.

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Connections

Featured in Banánové rybicky: Jak prezít trapasy (1999)

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Soundtracks

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Written by Doug Ingle (as Douglas Ingle)
Performed by Iron Butterfly
Courtesy of Atco Records
by arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

" On the Count of Monte Christo ? " Not guilty!

When a producer selects the actors and actresses for a film, it's usually in his mind what he is looking for. The selection Mr. Carl Reiner made in this film "Fatal Instinct" is nothing short of incredible. Taking a cue from the film parried here ( Fatal Attraction) from the moment it begins, you will begin laughing, so one had better have a good grip on his chair. Whoever selected straight actors or at least actors with a serious streak to do comedy knew they were trolling for gold. What they achieved is memorable in various films, like airplane and Horror Movie. In this hilarious offering, Reiner combines the works of the 1950's black/white films with modern murder venues. Armand Assante is incredible as Ned Ravine, super sleuth and lawyer. Sherilyn Fenn as Laura Lincolnberry, Kate Nelligan is Lana Ravine and Sean Young playing Lola Cain. All take the hero for a mind-bending spin and spoofs and succeed. However, the best selection for real comedy out of his element is none other than James Remar (The Warriors) , who plays, Max Shady. The outcome is fantastic. You've got to see this film for all it's humor. ***