Michael Douglas recently reflected on the reception of the Basic Instinct sex scenes during the Cannes Film Festival, describing them as "overwhelming" for many in attendance.
Speaking at Cannes in 2023 while being honored with the prestigious Palme d’Or for his career achievements, Douglas shared how the film's explicit scenes, displayed on the Grand Palais' massive screen, left the audience visibly stunned.
He recalled a particularly subdued dinner afterward, as the cast and others processed the intensity of the film.
At its 1992 premiere, Basic Instinct was considered groundbreaking or provocative, depending on one's perspective.
Despite its cultural impact, the film also sparked significant controversy, including debates over its NC-17 rating, which was eventually reduced to R following studio lobbying. The movie remains iconic, with its infamous interrogation scene becoming one of the most discussed moments in cinematic history