Basic Instinct (1992 (1992 in film)) is an American (United States) erotic thriller/neo-noir film, directed (Film director) by Paul Verhoeven and written (screenwriter) by Joe Eszterhas, starring Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas.

The film centers around police detective Nick Curran (Douglas), who is investigating the brutal murder of a wealthy former rock star. Beautiful, seductive and wealthy crime writer Catherine Tramell (Stone) could be involved; over the course of the investigation, Detective Curran becomes involved in a torrid and intense relationship with the mysterious woman ? who turns out to be very dangerous.

Even before its release, the film generated controversy due to its overt sexuality and graphic depiction of violence. It was also strongly opposed by gay rights activists, who criticized the films depiction of homosexual relationships and the depiction of a bisexual (bisexuality) woman as a psychopathic serial killer.

Basic Instinct was one of the most successful box office performers of 1992, collecting nearly $353 million worldwide and becoming an icon of the 1990s. It was also critically commended, receiving two Academy Award and two Golden Globe nominations?Jerry Goldsmith, the composer, was nominated for both awards for his original score (Film score), while Frank Urioste (Frank J. Urioste) was nominated for an Academy Award for his editing and Sharon Stone was nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actress (Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Drama). In 2006, a sequel was released (Basic Instinct 2), which was critically panned and a commercial flop. Multiple versions of the film have been released including a directors cut with more graphic sexual and violent footage, the most recent release being in 2006.