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TryloveMinneapolis-based repertory film podcast. Author: Trylove
Go see a movie. (Not officially affiliated with or endorsed by the Trylon Cinema or Take-Up Productions, but they seem to like us well enough.) https://bsky.app/profile/trylovepodca.st Language: en Genres: Film History, Film Reviews, TV & Film Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 360: BASIC INSTINCT (1992) with Kelly Krantz
Tuesday, 9 December, 2025
Content warning: This discussion includes references to sexual violence. BASIC INSTINCT superfan and longtime Trylon volunteer Kelly Krantz says it is “THE erotic thriller.” And she’s probably right! But what makes the tale of Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone) and her quarry, Nick Curran (Michael Douglas), the ultimate in a genre defined by extremes and titillating taboo? We’re here to find out! Our discussion digs into the essential Paul Verhoeven-ness of BASIC INSTINCT, the true motivations of the two headstrong leads, who’s really the victim in their psychosexual mind games, and then close with some skunk trivia (in fitting with a “you know it smells crazy in there” motif). Find Kelly… On Twitter at @kransekage_ On Letterboxd at @luckyhoss On Trylove episodes: WINGS OF DESIRE (1987), ARREBATO (1979), PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE (1974), REVOLVER (1973), THE DOOM GENERATION (1995), THE NIGHT PORTER (1974), REMEMBER MY NAME (1978), PLAY IT AS IT LAYS (1972), OUTLAND (1981) References: “Male Hysteria; or, Fear of Magna Cum Laude Pussy” by Devin Bee for Perisphere, the Trylon blog Basic Instinct (Erotic 90’s, Part 6) (May 1, 2023) by You Must Remember This WE KILL FOR LOVE (2023) on Vinegar Syndrome The Wikipedia page for “Ice pick” Give to the Trylon’s Film Forever Fund so they never have to increase ticket prices! Check the calendar, preview upcoming series, and buy tickets Contribute to Perisphere, the Trylon blog #SharonStoneDoesn’tCareWhatYouThink #DCP Follow us on Twitter at @trylovepodcast, Bluesky at @trylovepodca.st, and email us at trylovepodcast@gmail.com to get in touch! Show art by Emily Csuy. Theme: "Raindrops" by Huma-Huma/"No Smoking" PSA by John Waters. Outro music: “Main Theme” composed by Jerry Goldsmith from the BASIC INSTINCT soundtrack. Timestamps 0:00 - Episode 360: BASIC INSTINCT (1992) 2:58 - The episode actually starts 6:56 - The Patented Aaron Grossman Summary 10:20 - Background on the erotic thriller 16:14 - A metatextual take on erotic thrillers 20:23 - Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone 26:39 - Catherine Tramell “wants to be proven wrong” 37:40 - What does Nick Curran actually want? 41:55 - The Activation of Nick Curran 45:45 - Does Nick want to BECOME Catherine? 52:57 - How this movie plays with the femme fatale trope 59:58 - Beth, the victim of two different lovers 1:08:25 - The Junk Drawer 1:27:40 - To All the Loves We’ve Tried Before: 1992 1:34:22 - Cody’s Noteys: Ba-Skunk In-Stink (skunk trivia)
