BTN News: Certain movie scenes become iconic over time, often eclipsing the films they are part of. These moments are etched into the audience’s memory due to the powerful performances of the actors, such as Natalie Portman’s tearful head-shaving scene in “V for Vendetta” or Sissy Spacek’s intense expression in “Carrie.” Among these unforgettable scenes, Sharon Stone’s leg-crossing in “Basic Instinct” stands out for its unexpected eroticism.
Over 30 years since “Basic Instinct” premiered, that particular scene remains a hot topic due to its boldness and the revelations Stone has shared about it over time. Recently, the scene resurfaced when Stone, now 66, recreated it on her Instagram, much to the delight of her millions of followers. In the post, she wore a striking red lingerie set and sat with her legs crossed, mimicking the famous moment. She captioned the photo with a playful nod to the film’s original title: “Basically yours.”
In “Basic Instinct,” released in 1992, Sharon Stone played Catherine Tramell, a bisexual erotic novelist who manipulates those around her with her beauty and sensuality. Michael Douglas starred as Nick Curran, a detective trying to uncover whether Tramell is a cold-blooded killer or an innocent victim.
Stone has often reflected on her role in the film. In an interview with journalist Gabriel Lerman, she explained that the character was not just risky because of its sexual content. Catherine Tramell was a power-hungry psychopath who used her sexuality as a weapon, among other manipulative tactics. Stone knew the role required nudity, but felt it was essential to the story.
The production of the film went smoothly until the infamous interrogation scene. This was where Catherine, in a provocative act, intentionally exposed herself to the detectives questioning her. This moment, not in the original script, became a defining element of the film.
Director Paul Verhoeven later revealed that the scene where Catherine crosses her legs was inspired by a real-life experience from his college days. He recalled a girl at parties who never wore underwear and intentionally revealed herself. This anecdote sparked the idea for the scene, which was meant to show Catherine’s control and defiance.
There are differing stories about the making of this iconic scene. One version claims Stone was tricked into being exposed on camera and reacted furiously when she found out. Another version suggests that Stone and the rest of the crew were fully aware of the scene’s implications from the start.
That brief moment in the film turned Stone from a relatively unknown actress into a global sex symbol, a transformation that surprised even her. Reflecting on this in 1995, Stone noted that the film wasn’t focused on her being a sex symbol; rather, it had a few minutes of sexual content that left a lasting impression. She acknowledged that the scene gave her career a boost at a time when actresses often face diminishing roles, helping her remain a desirable figure in the industry.
In summary, Sharon Stone’s recreation of her iconic “Basic Instinct” scene on Instagram rekindled discussions about a moment that has become a significant part of film history. Her portrayal of Catherine Tramell, a character that used sexuality as a form of manipulation, continues to captivate audiences decades later. Stone’s willingness to revisit such a defining moment speaks to her enduring influence and the lasting impact of “Basic Instinct” on popular culture.
