Michael Douglas has revisited the making of Basic Instinct, recalling an uncomfortable moment involving Sharon Stone while the pair filmed one of the movie’s intimate scenes.
Douglas, now 82, has detailed the experience in his new memoir, One Helluva Ride, offering an account of the demanding production of the 1992 erotic thriller.
The film, directed by Paul Verhoeven, starred Douglas and Stone and quickly attracted attention for its violence, nudity and sexual content.
Douglas and Stone Agreed Against Using Body Doubles
According to Douglas, he and Stone had agreed that they would not use body doubles for the intimate sequence, which took five days to film.
Stone initially wore a protective patch as a measure of modesty, but Douglas recalled that she eventually decided to remove it.
As the filming continued, Stone told Douglas that his facial stubble was causing discomfort.
Stone Complained About Douglas’ Stubble
Douglas recalled that the scene required his character to appear physically intimate with Stone, although he stressed that the two actors were not actually having sex.
He said that at one point, the scene required him to position his face close to Stone’s body.
After several takes, Stone reportedly asked him to be more careful because his stubble was scratching her.
Douglas said he then noticed that Stone’s upper thighs had become red and chafed.
The actor recalled feeling “horrible” after realizing the discomfort she had experienced during the filming.
Douglas Drew the Line at Full-Frontal Nudity
Douglas also recalled making significant physical preparations for his role, including losing 25 pounds.
However, he said there was one boundary he was unwilling to cross: appearing fully nude from the front.
Stone took a different approach to nudity in the film and famously appeared without underwear during the interrogation scene that became one of the movie’s most recognizable moments.
Stone Later Reflected on the Controversial Scene
Stone discussed the interrogation sequence during an interview at the Taormina Film Festival in 2024.
Looking back more than three decades after the film’s release, she said the scene now appeared less unusual than it did at the time.
Stone also spoke about changes in the film industry, arguing that greater participation by women as writers, directors and producers had altered the way female characters were portrayed.
Stone’s Account of the Screening
The actress has previously offered a different account of how the interrogation scene came about.
In her memoir The Beauty of Living Twice, Stone wrote that she was shocked when she saw the final scene and realized that her genital area was visible.
She said she had been told by Verhoeven that the camera would not capture that part of her body.
According to Stone’s account, she confronted the director, slapped him and left the screening.
Verhoeven Disputed Stone’s Version
Verhoeven has strongly rejected Stone’s account that she was unaware of what would be visible in the scene.
The director argued that Stone knew what the camera would capture because she had been asked to remove her underwear and position herself for the shot.
The disagreement over the circumstances surrounding the scene has remained part of the film’s history, alongside the accounts from those involved in its production.
