There is something to be said for Michael Caton-Jones' "Basic Instinct 2", and that is that one man's trash is another man's treasure. In this turgid followup to Paul Verhoeven's original (and equally trashy) 1992 psychosexual romp, the icepick-wielding vixen, Catherine Tramell, is back and, as played by Sharon Stone, she's as flippant, horny, and, oh yes, lethal as ever. And I'm happy to report that Catherine's trailer park sex appeal also remains intact; without an iota of class, she roars through London, decimating all of those unfortunate enough to get in her way. It was hard, even in the original "Basic Instinct", to buy Catherine Tramell as the product of a wealthy, privileged upbringing, so undisguised was her utter, careless wantonness, her frankly stated and (apparently) insatiable appetites. But that's what makes Catherine so much fun to watch. A cross between Hannibal Lector and "Queer As Folk's" Brian Kinney, she's a twisted, sexed-up, very dangerous camp icon who behaves in much the same way an over-the-top male character might be expected to behave. I know people who are more appalled by her sexual excesses in these films than they are by the sudden bursts of violence. In fact, the violence in "Basic Instinct 2" is kept to a minimum, most of it being seen after the actual act has taken place. The sex, itself, is fairly graphic, although no more than what I would expect from such an undertaking.
The plot of "Basic Instinct 2" follows Catherine from her old San Francisco stomping grounds to London Towne, at once picturesque and rainy, made all the more atmospheric by the stunningly photographed landmarks. A soccer hero with whom Catherine is involved, dies in a questionable (and utterly tasteless) auto "accident" that opens the film. Drugs are found in the man's system, including one that induces paralysis, and the lead cop (David Thewliss) immediately suspects Catherine of murder. Sent to criminal psychologist Michael Glass, Catherine wastes no time in weaving a web of lies and sexual intrigue that result in more deaths occurring before the unconvincing finale.
The performances aren't bad, given the film's relentless silliness and determined lack of taste. As stated, Stone has turned Catherine Tramell into a camp icon, a character who is, really, above criticism. Love her or hate her, she is what she is. And she looks damn good, at age 48, doing what it is that she does so well. As Glass, the psychologist with a painful past, David Morrissey does what he can with a role that varies wildly, requiring him to veer from stiff-upper-lip Britishness to out-of-his-gourd madman; the fact that his character is not remotely believable cannot be contributed to his lack of skill as an actor. David Thewliss, as a good cop/bad cop combo starts out bringing a certain level of realism to his character, although once he goes over the top, there's no bringing him back. And it's good to see Charlotte Rampling, as a colleague of Dr. Glass, back onscreen, even though she frequently looks like a deer caught in the headlights. She seems unsure whether to maintain a certain dignity that seems to be in line the character she's playing, or to just let go and jump into the hammy fray. Unfortunately (I think), by choosing the former and playing it safe, her performance is the one element that seems jarringly out of place in this free-for-all thriller. In supporting roles, Indira Varma ("Rome") and Hugh Dancy, are scenic, but wasted, as ill-fated lovers who become ensnared in Catherine's web.
While the film's plot just serves as an excuse to show us how clever Catherine is, with pretty, naked people assuming various sexual positions as violence pretty much consumes everyone onscreen, "Basic Instinct 2" is not without its merits. To get the most of the movie, do not sit down to watch it with the intention of seeing a serious thriller; it's soft-core porn right down to its dark roots and twisted soul. But if you know what you're in for, and don't take it too seriously, it's a hoot. |
