Incredibly popular in the 80s and 90s, the American erotic thriller nevertheless remains underrated. Amalgamated with neo-noir and melodramatic films, its historicity and socio-cultural impact are often denied by critics who are mainly interested only in Basic Instinct, by Paul Verhoeven, and its femme fatale, played by Sharon Stone.

About the Author

Linda Belhadj is a film critic and co-author of Paul Verhoeven, Total Spectacle published by Playlist Society.