Basic Instinct film controversy
The controversy surrounding the film *Basic Instinct* primarily stemmed from its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, specifically two lesbian or bisexual murderers, which sparked accusations of homophobia from various gay rights groups. These protests escalated during filming, leading to public demonstrations and the issuance of restraining orders against activists who disrupted production. Despite suggestions from advocacy organizations like the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation for script modifications, the film's director Paul Verhoeven and producer Alan Marshall chose not to implement these changes, resulting in accusations of censorship from the production team.
Additionally, the film faced scrutiny from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which required significant cuts to graphic content for the film to achieve an R rating. This led to a more extensive and publicized editing process compared to Verhoeven’s earlier works. Ultimately, after its theatrical run, a fully restored and unrated version of *Basic Instinct* was released on video, allowing audiences to view the original content. The film's approach to themes of sexuality and violence has continued to spark debate and analysis, reflecting broader societal discussions about representation and censorship in cinema.
Basic Instinct film controversy
Type of work: Film
Released: 1992
Director: Paul Verhoeven (1938- )
Subject matter: An emotionally troubled detective becomes involved with a bisexual murder suspect
Significance: This controversial film was criticized by gay groups because of its portrayal of lesbian and bisexual murderers; it gained further notoriety when several scenes of sex and violence were cut prior to its release
Basic Instinct generated most of its controversy even before it was released. During the filming of this psychosexual thriller, gay groups publicly objected to what they viewed as homophobic elements in the script, particularly its characterization of two lesbian or bisexual murderers. When groups such as Queer Nation disrupted filming, restraining orders were issued against the protesters. Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas suggested modifications based on recommendations from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and other groups, but director Paul Verhoeven and producer Alan Marshall rejected the changes. Executives of the production company accused the demonstrators of “censorship by street action.”
Further controversy arose when the Motion Picture Association of America’s ratings board demanded that the film be cut if it was to receive an R rating. Previous Verhoeven films, such as Flesh and Blood (1985) and Robocop (1987) had also been trimmed for R ratings, but the proposed cuts to Basic Instinct were both more extensive and more widely publicized. The film’s sex and murder scenes were toned down by cutting footage or by substituting less graphic shots. Following the film’s R-rated theatrical run and initial video release, a fully restored and unrated version was released on video.