Key Takeaways:
– Sharon Stone shared that her name was excluded from the Basic Instinct movie poster. Despite this, it turned out to aid her career.
– Stone endured financial inequality on Basic Instinct, receiving a significantly smaller paycheck than co-star Michael Douglas.
– Despite initially being the studio’s 13th choice, Stone’s casting quickly became a powerful asset to the film with audiences captivated by her performance.
– Basic Instinct, although panned with controversy, grossed an impressive $352.9 million at the global box office.
The Unanticipated Stardom of Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct
Sharon Stone’s breakthrough role in Basic Instinct was one of ambiguity and challenging experiences, which ultimately propelled her into the Hollywood spotlight. Despite having significant screentime as the film’s co-lead, Stone was treated unfairly compared to her co-star, Michael Douglas. Her name was not included on the film’s poster, a move Stone surprisingly admits worked in her favor.
Stone shared that her name’s absence led to greater public curiosity about her identity. This intrigue subsequently helped to elevate her into mainstream Hollywood. The film was primarily marketed as Douglas’s movie, but audiences were entranced by Stone’s captivating performance, which ultimately played a significant role in the movie’s success.
Financial Disparity Amid Groundbreaking Performance
The disparity between Stone and Douglas’s remuneration pointed out a stark inequality issue rampant in the industry at the time. During a promotional interview for her memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice, Stone outlined this disparity, highlighting that her co-star earned $14 million, while she didn’t even have enough to afford a dress for the Oscar’s following year.
Stone’s role in Basic Instinct faced resistance, presenting her with multiple challenges. Her portrayal of a sexually empowered woman, despite the controversies that surrounded it, went on to achieve recognition. The film, featuring Stone’s groundbreaking performance, was a major hit and grossed $352.9 million at the global box office.
The Unexpected Long Audition Process
Stone’s journey to secure the role of Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct was not an easy one. Her audition process spanned almost eight and a half months, during which she had to wait for 12 other actresses to turn down the role initially. Interestingly, Michelle Pfeiffer was the studio’s first choice to play the lead character, but she continuously rejected the offer, paving the way for Stone to grab the opportunity.
Stone shared her struggles during an episode of the podcast, Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade. She expressed gratitude towards Pfeiffer for turning down the role repeatedly, which led to Stone clinching the part after multiple screen tests and auditions.
Despite the initial hurdles, Stone’s determination paid off. She was later awarded the Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama for Casino, besides earning a nomination for an Academy Award for the same role.
Basic Instinct remains a pivotal point in Stone’s career, solidifying her place in mainstream Hollywood. Having faced inequality and numerous challenges, she managed to turn the situation around, capitalizing on her role’s popularity despite her name’s absence on the film poster.
Her story shines as a testament to the power of resilience and persistence, turning perceived obstacles into unexpected pathways for success. Today, Sharon Stone’s performance in Basic Instinct is still remembered as one of her best, a role that heralded her transition into a high-profile Hollywood actress.
