Starring Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas, the 1992 thriller Basic Instinct is known for many things, one of them being Catherine Tramell’s interrogation scene. Since the release of the film, the scene has taken a controversial turn, particularly due to the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding it. Stone, who played the role of Catherine Tramell in the movie, has revealed her dismay over the scene and instances of perceived disrespect from the film’s director.
Paul Verhoeven, however, has denied such claims, asserting a lack of tension and insisting that he collaborated with Stone on the scene, drawing inspiration from a real-life incident.
Paul Verhoeven Revealed The Story Behind the Controversial Basic Instinct Scene
In an interview with Deadline, filmmaker Paul Verhoeven denied claims of any issues between him and the Basic Instinct actress Sharon Stone. When asked about Stone’s arguments over the infamous scene, he called it a “My memory is this, and your memory is that” situation.
According to Verhoeven, the scene was inspired by a woman he encountered during his university days in Leiden. The filmmaker claimed that the woman would provocatively expose herself, and when he and his friend confronted her, she told them, “Of course—that’s why I’m doing it!”
The RoboCop director recalled sharing the story with the Oscar-nominated actress during a dinner conversation. He claimed that Stone “thought it would be great idea to do that.” He also stated that the script already included references to the lack of apparel under her skirt.
However, the specific uncrossing legs scene was the result of his discussion with Stone. “I know her story is a bit different, but that’s my story,” he said during the interview, emphasizing that he is still on good terms with the actress.
Sharon Stone Recalled Events Differently
The Basic Instinct star Sharon Stone opened up about the drama behind the scenes in her memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice. The actress shared that she was invited for a preliminary screening of the movie with a bunch of people. And she was fairly uncomfortable with that specific scene.
“I was so shocked. I went up to the projection booth and slapped the director,” she shared in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. She further shared that she called her lawyer, who assured her that they could not release the movie as it would get an X rating at the time.
She even confronted the director about it, who told her that she did not have any choices or opinions. However, the actress claims that when she looked at it from the perspective of the movie and her character, it seemed “correct” to her, and she chose to allow the scene in the movie.
Stone became an overnight sensation following the film’s release. The movie’s success, coupled with Stone’s bold portrayal, played a pivotal role in catapulting her to stardom and solidified her status as an iconic figure in the industry.
Basic Instinct is available to stream on Peacock and Paramount+.
