Continuity mistake: During the big sex scene you see red marks on Michael Douglas's back. These red marks are from when Sharon Stone scratches him. The thing is, she scratches him a minute AFTER you see the red marks on him for the first time.
Basic Instinct (1992)
Plot summary
Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
Starring: Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone, Jeanne Tripplehorn, George Dzundza
Former rock star and San Francisco nightclub owner Johnny Boz is found murdered in his bed. Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) is assigned to the case; he has a history of alcoholism and drug abuse although he is clean now. The prime suspect is Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone), an attractive and manipulative novelist who had been seeing Boz for a while. Police psychiatrist Beth Gardner (who happens to be Nick's ex-girlfriend) is brought in on the case when it is discovered that Boz's murder was copied directly from one of Catherine's novels. Nick starts to get too involved and everyone seems to be a suspect.
More mistakes in Basic Instinct
Beth Garner: Something's going on. You're sleeping with her, aren't you?
Nick: Why are you interested in her?
Beth Garner: My interest is in you, not her. She seduces and manipulates people. She'll do anything she can.
Nick: I thought you hardly knew her?
Beth Garner: I know the type. I'm a psychologist.
Nick: That means... you manipulate people too! You're a practicing psychologist. You're better at it than she is.
Trivia: Director Paul Verhoeven actually has a PhD in mathematics. He received it back in the 1960's in Holland. He left the field and became a film director. (From Director's commentary on "Basic Instinct: The Original Director's Cut".).
Question: Why did Catherine target Nick? I know he's a big douchebag, but that can't be the only reason right? Was it to get revenge against Beth for once and all for leaving her?
Answer: Because she's insane? And very ill. And dangerous. A pure bred psychopath. She got off screwing with him, his head. She has a degree in effing with you. Beth was just a bonus. Unlucky. Collateral damage. Unfortunate. Catherine was, is a clinical psychopath. She had no reason. Or it was fun for her. She was one twisted broad. An evil dame. (IMHO).
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Answer: No definitive answer is given in the film. Catherine didn't need a reason for anything that she did. As for Beth, that was just a bonus, or a coincidence. It could be argued that Catherine targeted Beth, and Nick was just unfortunate to be involved with Beth.
ChristmasJonesfan