Basic Instinct: A Case of Fake Psychology

Popcorn Psychology

Content Warning: this episode contains discussions about sexual assault and violence. In this episode, we discuss Basic Instinct, an early 90s classic featuring Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas. We are again joined by a guest, the lovely Melanie Kinley, as we rip apart this erotic thriller that attempts to insert real psychology but fails miserably. We break down the characters played by Stone and Douglas, and attempt to discern the motivation for their various troubling decisions throughout the movie. We also examine this film’s irresponsible portrayals of not just mental health, but of sexual assault, violence against women, and overall misogyny. It’s a heavy one.