This film did more for a return to monogomy than any social diseases! I've just re-watched this flick, and it's just as effective as when I first viewed it. Picture a younger Baby Jane Hudson combined with Jaws, and that's pretty much "Alex", Glenn Closes' woman scorned. Michael Douglas, as the typical, successful, arrogant, mid-'80's Yuppie, who, though perfectly nested in a seemingly great marriage to gorgeous, giving, Anne Archer, has to prove he's still a desirable stud by having a "casual" (WRONG!!) fling with Closes' "Alex", a sexy, also seemingly sophisticated associate of his. She initially gives the impression she wants the same thing as he, a "no strings attached" sex-fest, but, after a 24 hour marathon, while wifey is out of town, it begins to become apparent that Alex is becoming just a teensy bit possessive, and when Douglas, as diplomatically as possible, tries to explain to her that he's happily married, and it's dumpster time, Miss Alex IS NOT buying it. The ensuing harassment of he and his family, which starts with pranks from Alex to express her displeasure, turns into a horror-ride that will have your emotions tap dancing faster than Ann Miller!! Some people feel the need to rationalize the entirety of a film, "why'd she do that", that wouldn't happen", etc... not me. With a film like this, it either entertained me, or didn't. Well, this one certainly did. I found all the acting excellant, and the situation not all that unbelievable. Though "over the top", it is a non-stop ride of suspense as Douglas' nightmare (and life) un-folds. I recall there were some copy-cat flicks made shortly after this came out, trying to duplicate what this film has. Well, they didn't succeed, and were soon forgotten. I feel that this film, with its great cast , production, intelligent script, and direction, will not be topped for films of it's kind, and will stand the test of time. It pushes ALL the buttons.
Manhattan lawyer Dan Gallagher (Douglas) has it all: successful career, attractive wife, loving daughter. So why not have an extramarital fling with a woman he met at a party while the family is out of town? Sure. Just a one-night stand. No harm, no foul. But there's something very "foul" about Dan's partner in crime, because blonde Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) may have all the right moves in the sack, but she also has an elevator that doesn't go all the way to the top. So when Dan wants to shake hands and part company, Alex will have none of it, and the table is set for a one-way ticket to Looney Land.
Let the stalking. . .the suspense. . .the thrills and chills. . .begin. The bathroom scene, in which Dan's frazzled wife Beth (Anne Archer) wipes the steam off the mirror, is worth the price of purchase of this video alone.
Director Adrian Lyne (as usual) delivers a gripping, antacid-popping story. The only positive in FATAL ATTRACTION was the fact all this bad stuff happened to an attorney. Like, how sad. I'd like to write more, but I hear the wife calling--something about all the hair in the sink. Don't want to get her riled.
--D. Mikels
Buy Fatal Attraction (1987) Now
In 1987, the thriller "FATAL ATTRACTION" was released into theaters and the film touched a nerve worldwide that it became a social phenomenon and a box office hit. The film jumpstarted a wave of many psychopath films right after but also generated fear for men who have ever contemplated an extramarital affair.The film was directed by Adrian Lyne ("Indecent Proposal" and "Nine 1/2 Weeks") and was produced by Sherry Lansing and Stanley R. Jaffe (both worked on "Indecent Proposal", "Black Rain" and "The Accused"). The film also featured the talents of composer Maurice Jarre ("I Dreamed of Africa", "Sunshine", "Dead Poets Society", "Jacob's Ladder" and "Ghost") and cinematographer Howard Atherton ("Indecent Proposal", "Deep Rising" and "Lolita").
The film would star well-known talents such as Michael Douglas ("Basic Instinct", "Wall Street" and "A Perfect Murder"), Glenn Close ("Air Force One", "Damages" and "Hook") and Anne Archer ("Privileged", "Rules of Engagement" and "The Art of War").
Needless to say, "FATAL ATTRACTION" had elements of the 1971 film "Play Misty & Me" but shocked America and the world of the implications of a one night stand, hurting the people around you and to be careful of the unknown and in this case, the unknown was having a one night stand with a psychopath.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"FATAL ATTRACTION" gets its first HD treatment on Blu-ray via 1080p High Definition. The film looks great for a film of its age. Because it was shot in 1987 and seeing many films in the late 80's and early 90's being heavily DNR'd (digital noise reduction) and looking too soft in picture quality, "FATAL ATTRACTION" definitely showcases the detail of the surroundings but also brings out the grain throughout the film. Personally, I would have grain (since it's part of film) rather than excessive DNR and edge enhancement.
The film showcases its vibrancy in colors during the outdoor segments but the indoor segments, really interesting use of lighting to show the differences between Daniel's home and Alex's home and how things continually got darker and darker. "FATAL ATTRACTION" doesn't have the cleanest picture quality but compared to its DVD counterpart, this is probably the best we are going to see of this film on High Definition. Blacks are nice and deep and I didn't see any major compression artifacts or dust.
As for the audio, the film is presented in English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD (including French Dolby Surround and Spanish mono). "FATAL ATTRACTION" is primarily a dialogue-based film where moods and ambiance is brought to life by the music of Maurice Jarre. Overall, dialogue is clean and understandable and music is quite clear.
There are some scenes where you can hear the New York surroundings and crowded scenes (such as the party scene) where you can hear the people around the room. But to tell you the truth, I felt the audio was front channel heavy. I didn't hear much coming from the rear surrounds but the subtle noises as the chilling water drips near the end to the operatic music of Madame Butterfly come quite clear in audio but then, even the single gun shot noise that you hear in the film really doesn't have any punch to it. But in the end, it's the acting and the dialogue that is the priority and how the music enhances the moods of love, sex, despair and violence is what I felt was most important and those two things come clear through the lossless audio.
As for subtitles, "FATAL ATTRACTION" is presented in English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"FATAL ATTRACTION" comes with the same special features that came on the 2007 DVD Special Edition release. There is nothing that is new to the Blu-ray but the alternate ending and the trailer are featured in HD. Included are:
* Commentary by Adrian Lyne I have watched a few films with commentary by Adrian Lyne and he's the first person to tell you that he doesn't have the greatest memory. With that being said, with his commentary for "FATAL ATTRACTION", he does remember enough to discuss the details of making the film and talks about it in detail. Especially how many cuts it took for certain scenes, working with the talents such as Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, Ann Archer and the child Ellen Hamilton Latzen. Lyne is upfront about having to reshoot ending and his thoughts of the ending on the final cut of the film. But like previous Lyne commentaries, there are times when he just stops talking. Perhaps watching the film again has captured his attention for a short while. Lyne's commentary is also a bit soft and low, so you may need to turn your speakers up a bit.
* Forever Fatal: Remembering Fatal Attraction Cast & Crew Interviews (28:15) A wonderful featurette about the making of the film. From working with James Dearden and then finding the talent who would be right for the film (Michael Douglas was already in consideration) and why they chose the talent to portray those roles but also learning how no studio or director wanted to do the film. What was amazing to hear is how Glenn Close fought for the original ending. As an actress so into her craft, she researched her role for Alex Forrest and felt the ending was perfect but at the screening of the preview, audiences disliked the ending and thus they reshot the ending to the film despite Glenn Close being against it. And of course, discussion about how the film became a phenomenon and the worldwide media coverage that it received. Presented in Standard Definition.
* Social Attraction The Cultural Phenomenon of Fatal Attraction (10:00) "FATAL ATTRACTION" became a cultural phenomenon. On one side, it received media coverage because of how shocking the thriller was. The film became popular among psychiatrists but the film also received backlash by feminists. Presented in Standard Definition.
* Visual Attraction Behind-the-Scenes Production Featurette (19:39) In order to create the world of "FATAL ATTRACTION", a lot was done in set design, makeup and just creating this overall, visual sense of the film.
* Rehearsal Footage (7:05) The original rehearsal footage of Glenn lose and Ann Archer. If you thought their acting was powerful in the film, the rehearsals were just as powerful! Presented in Standard Definition.
* Alternate Ending with an Introduction by Adrian Lyne (HD) (11:51) The original "Madame Butterfly" ending. In the end, I would have to agree with the filmmaker and happy they changed the ending for the final cut.
* Original Theatrical Trailer (HD) (1:33) The original theatrical trailer presented in High Definition.
JUDGMENT CALL:
I'm not going to lie to you, "FATAL ATTRACTION" scared the crap out of me when I first watched it many years ago and it scared the crap out of me watching it again over 20 years later.
I remember it becoming a cultural phenomenon, in my opinion, because "one night stands" are always shown as things that happen in life but the film shows us the ramifications and the dark side that exist. Sure, we would see a break up of a relationship or a divorce from infidelity on film but "FATAL ATTRACTION" explores the side heavily and doesn't miss a heartbeat. Instantly, showing us a woman who would not be ignored, has some psychological problems and how she became obsessed.
You can analyze this film on the psychiatric side of things or the human-side of things and ask yourself, who is at fault? Who is the victim? In a way, all are victims in a way.
The film was powerful in a sense that Glenn Close played Alex Forrest, a troubled woman just perfectly. Her gaze, her look, everything about her sent shivers down my spine. But its what Glenn Close said on the special features that when playing the part, she felt there was some major trauma that this woman had gone through long ago to be this way. And Close did a good job of researching and bringing this character out and making her alive, but also terrifying.
Michael Douglas is just the "everyman" in this role. A normal, hardworking person with a family that he loves but now has to deal with the ramifications of his extramarital affair and the implications it has on his family, to Alex and to himself. Anne Archer as Beth was the wife one would want. A good mother, loving wife and it's just unfortunate that like in real life, even these good people become a victim. Fortunately, for Archer's character, despite the loving, family and caring tendencies, she's also a strong woman who will not let anything happen to her family. Archer's chemistry with Douglas was also terrific to watch.
I think that the alternate and original ending to the film can be debated. I've read that critics prefer the original but of course, the one that was reshot and is in the final cut was what was needed to please the audience. It was great to hear every on the film comment about having to reshoot the scene.
I'm just glad that all special features from the 2007 DVD Special Edition are included on this Blu-ray release. Although, nothing new added to the Blu-ray, "FATAL ATTRACTION" is still a solid Blu-ray release.
"FATAL ATTRACTION" is a well-done thriller. The acting is terrific, the screenplay was absolutely captivating and yet terrifying. For those wanting an excellent thriller for their Blu-ray collection, you can't go wrong with this film.
Read Best Reviews of Fatal Attraction (1987) Here
"Fatal Attraction" isn't so much an erotic thriller as it is a stalker suspenser. Sure, the movie begins with the standard lurid sex scenes involving two respected actors pawing at each other like there's no tomorrow. But rather than succumb to such torrid displays of goofy, laughably cheesy eroticism, the material actually becomes interesting in its second half, building a solid sense of menace and intensity around the mind games of its psychotic centerfold.Michael Douglas stars as Dan Gallagher, a lawyer whose firm's clients include a well-known publishing company in New York City. His wife, Beth (Anne Archer), has hopes of moving out of their city apartment and buying a house in Bedford, where she and their young daughter travel for the weekend. And as they say, when the cat's away, the mice will play, which is just what Dan does when he crosses paths with Alex Forrest (Glenn Close), an editor from the publishing company whom he spends the weekend with.
So far, so mediocre. The various conversations between characters meant to advance the plot are silly and ongoing, while the inevitable images of lustful satisfaction between Douglas and Close provide some unintentional laughs that seem to work in the film's favor. Once you see these two credible performers manhandling one another, you have a choice: you're either in or you're out.
The film picks up considerable momentum once the reality of the situation sets in. Dan realizes that he can't continue seeing Alex, who becomes embittered when he avoids her phone calls and dismisses her from his office after an invitation to the opera. As he tries to juggle his secret and keep up the pretence of happiness with his family, Alex acts as a thorn in his side that keeps inching deeper and deeper, until he acknowledges the fact that she is a real threat to his family's safety.
This turn of events isn't as unexpected as it would hope to be; from the various expressions of underlying menace that grace Close's face, we can already gather that she's cooking up more than just spaghetti for dinner. But, as we wait in breathless anticipation of Alex's next move, the shocks multiply, the suspense grows, and everything we initially thought about the film's beginning act is but a memory as we follow the plot into familiar yet overall satisfying grounds.
Much of this rests on the shoulders of Close, who carries her character so well that any inhibitions one may have about the extent to which her character will go are left behind. Alex's coolly-calculated, ultimately psychotic plan of attack gives way to moments of sheer lunacy that Close masters with little more than a delightfully menacing smirk. When Dan finally comes clean and gets the police involved, we know just what she's going to do, and how she's going to do it, but under such a brooding performance, it all seems fresh.
It's also quite nice to see Michael Douglas squirm as the victim of the movie's role-reversal, where this time, the woman makes all the rules. His performance here is commendable, and he does show a sincere amount of fear and worry over the revelation of his dark secret, and the safety of his wife and child. His scenes with Close carry their weight in sweaty-palms tension, as well as some sweet lessons about the consequences that he must face as a result of his affair.
If you have the stomach to stick with "Fatal Attraction," you may find yourself enjoying it for its acting zeal and wonderfully-executed second half. It's trash, to be sure, but it's stylish, likeable trash, made so by a predictable plot tailored with a low-lying charge of intensity that grips the viewer by the hair until the blazing, bloody end.
Want Fatal Attraction (1987) Discount?
Sometimes we have great ideas and potential, and we may hold onto a lot of the great aspects, but we just can't work out the bugs. If we watch this movie fairly and objectively, we can see that this is most certainly the case here.To make a long story short, Douglas is a good lawyer who is going through the stress of climbing the ladder of success. He has friends and a nice wife, as well as a 6 year old daughter. He meets an editor (Glenn Close) through work and he quickly has an affair with her. We are allowed to think that possibly, Douglas's wife was paying too much attention to the daughter and ignoring him. Or perhaps Douglas was just stressed from his job. (Either way, we have some reason why he accepts the offer of an affair.)
Moving on, Douglas tries to go back to his legitimate life, but finds that Glenn Close is not going to tolerate being 'used' and then just dumped in the garbage. To complicate things further, Douglas has made Glenn Close pregnant. (Great so far.)
Now, here is where we run into problems. The story tries to make Glenn Close out to be the villain. But let's be honest here. She did NOT FORCE Douglas to sleep with her. Douglas agreed to it. Then he tries to say he loves his wife and is happy with her. Well, Glenn Close is VERY RIGHT when she says: "If you were so happy with your wife, what were you doing with me?" And in all honesty, how can we not side with her a little when she says: "You had your fun, and now you just want to go back to your quiet life.
From here, the flaws start to get worse and worse. The simplest way I can put it is that the movie tries to make a hurt woman who has some psychological issues into an evil monster who has to be destroyed, and it tries to make the man who had an affair with her, got her pregnant, and wanted to just walk away as if nothing happened a hero. It just doesn't work.
A grand scale error is when Douglas goes to Close's house and brutally assaults her. Excuse me. This is a lawyer, and he doesn't know how stupid this is? (Even from a selfish standpoint, this is not going to help the matter if he wants Glenn Close arrested.) And even worse. Are we suppose to be cheering for him? Is it Glenn's fault that he consented to this affair? Is it Glenn's fault that he thought he could use her and walk away?
Reality check...A smarter man may have suggested a group therapy session with a psychologist....(And as a lawyer who understood confidentiality, he would have known his wife would never know about the affair from the mouth of the psychologist! The trip could have even been covered easily. He could have just said he was meeting with a client.)
Now the worst error. The original end (and at least we can see it as an extra on the dvd) tied things together nicely. Because of her severe depression and hopelessness, Glenn Close kills herself, and Douglas gets the blame because his prints were on the knife Glenn Killed herself with. (GREAT! And it underlines how stupid it was to go to Glenn's house and assault her.) In one option, Douglas was suppose to kill himself in prison. (Good) In the other option, Douglas's wife was to find evidence to clear him. (OK. A less disturbing, but still good end.)
But no. They choose the worst possible end they can. Let's see what's wrong. (Douglas consents to an affair with Close...He realizes you can't just sleep with someone and throw them in the trash...Glenn Close gets shot because Douglas had an affair with her...) This is a perfect example of an artificial (AND ABSURD) happy end that just doesn't fit.
Well, I should also say that Stuart Pankin does a good job of adding some badly needed comic relief in this movie.
SIDE NOTE: It is utterly absurd that Glenn Close became the most hated woman is America for playing this part.
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