Glenn Close
Anne Archer
Well this movie makes the thought of infidelity genuinely terrifying.
The film was adapted by James Dearden and Nicholas Meyer (who wrote the
Star Trek movies in the 80s and 90s) from an earlier short film by Dearden, Diversion
(1980). The movie is directed by Adrian Lyne, who is known for his movies
involving sexually charged characters. He was nominated for an Academy Award
for this movie, and he also directed the 2002 film on infidelity, Unfaithful.
Glenn Close delivered a powerful and unsettling performance, with
Michael Douglas standing out as the seemingly composed but flawed Dan
Gallagher. Close’s portrayal of Alex Forrest is chilling because she doesn’t
start off as a villain. At first, Alex seems like a confident, independent
woman, but as the story unfolds, her obsession becomes more frightening and
unhinged. Douglas balances this by showing Dan’s panic and fear as his life
starts to unravel, and their chemistry, especially in the early scenes makes
the descent into chaos believable.
The movie follows Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas), a married man who has
a weekend affair with Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) while his wife is away. What
began as a fling quickly turns into a nightmare as Alex refuses to let go. She
uses emotional blackmail, stalking, and psychological manipulation to try and
keep Dan in her life. When Dan tries to cut ties, Alex escalates her behavior,
leading to violent confrontations that put his family in danger.
Anne Archer, who plays Dan’s wife Beth, deserves mention as she adds
heart and gravity to the story. Her performance grounds the movie, making the
audience genuinely care about what happens to Dan’s family. The tension really
spikes when Beth becomes part of Alex’s twisted revenge, and Archer’s reaction
to the betrayal feels raw and real.
The movie’s weak spots include the lighting and cinematography, which
feel muddled in certain scenes. Adrian Lyne’s overuse of smoke effects can feel
forced rather than atmospheric. The pacing in the second half is also a bit
uneven, with some scenes dragging when they should be building tension.
Continuity issues pop up here and there, which can be distracting once you
notice them.
Despite these flaws, Fatal Attraction is gripping because of its sharp
writing and intense performances. The film’s exploration of obsession,
betrayal, and consequence makes it as relevant now as it was in 1987. It’s a
thriller that lingers with you, not just for its shocks but for the uncomfortable
truths it exposes about relationships and choices.
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