Fatal Attraction (1987)
A successful Manhattan lawyer, Dan Gallagher, has a weekend fling with Alex Forrest while his wife is away. When Dan attempts to abruptly end the affair, Alex becomes dangerously obsessive. Her stalking escalates quickly, threatening Dan’s family life and culminating in a shocking, violent home invasion, forcing his wife to fight back.
Length: 1h59m
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Drama
This Title is: A harrowing tale of obsession and infidelity.
Cast
Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, Anne Archer, Ellen Hamilton Latzen, Fred Gwynne
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R – Infidelity, strong violence, and disturbing behavior.
FAQ
- Is Fatal Attraction (1987) Based on a True Story?: No, it is based on screenwriter James Dearden’s 1980 short production, *Diversion*.
- Where was Fatal Attraction (1987) filmed?: Primarily on location in New York City, including Manhattan and suburban Westchester County, New York.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Maurice Jarre
Filmmaker Profile
Director Adrian Lyne specialized in stylish, erotic dramas that explored the dark side of relationships. Lyne brought a glossy, high-tension aesthetic to the production, turning a cautionary tale of marital betrayal into a provocative, Oscar-nominated blockbuster that defined the erotic thriller genre of the era.
Why It’s Worth Watching
The production excels due to its intense, taut direction that consistently ramps up the dread. Its tightly wound script manages to generate genuine fear of a domestic nightmare, transforming a simple act of indiscretion into a psychological siege. The iconic performances alone justify the watch for their sheer intensity.
Main Character Deep Dive
Michael Douglas portrays Dan Gallagher, a man whose internal conflict shifts from guilty pleasure to sheer terror. His journey is a powerful exploration of accountability, as his character is forced to confront the destructive repercussions of a reckless decision. Glenn Close’s unforgettable performance as the antagonist elevates the story, creating a truly memorable portrait of obsession.
Unforgettable Quote
“I won’t be ignored, Dan!”
Trivia
- The theatrical ending, where Alex is shot, was a re-shoot after test audiences rejected the original, more tragic conclusion where Alex committed suicide.
- Star Glenn Close was furious about the reshoot, arguing that her character, Alex, was battling mental illness and would have taken her own life.
- The infamous bunny-boiling sequence, which became the production’s most talked-about scene, was a late addition to the script.
Trailer
Stream Fatal Attraction (1987) on:
Our Review
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I found this picture to be an absolute masterclass in building unrelenting suspense. From the moment the central indiscretion occurs, the tension becomes a palpable presence, tightening its grip with every scene. Glenn Close’s exceptional work here is stunning; she crafts a figure of frightening, singular focus, making her portrayal one of the most celebrated of its time. Michael Douglas anchors the escalating horror perfectly, portraying a man trapped by his own mistake and desperately trying to salvage his reality. The way the director manipulates the claustrophobic atmosphere of a modern, prosperous life suddenly coming apart is superb. The escalating stakes and the unexpected, high-octane climax deliver an adrenaline rush unlike any other. It’s a beautifully constructed showcase of how a casual encounter can shatter the sanctity of a family structure. I truly enjoyed the electrifying confrontation and the memorable turns by the entire ensemble.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you appreciate ’80s psychological thrillers driven by raw emotion and outstanding acting that explores the severe repercussions of a fleeting affair on a suburban life.
