Sharon Stone’s journey in Hollywood is an iconic one indeed. Although she worked tirelessly for years before finally securing the role that would transform her career, once it did, there was no looking back. It was the iconic portrayal of the seductive and enigmatic serial killer Catherine Tramell in the movie Basic Instinct, alongside Michael Douglas, directed by Paul Verhoeven and released in 1992, that showcased her undeniable talent and versatility as an actor to the world.
However, bringing the character to life took quite a toll on the actress, as she shared the horrors she had to face during the shooting process of the film in a radio interview with Tom Power in 2021. Although the movie earned her a lot of fame, recognition, and awards, she was not okay with the effect it had on her mind.
How Sharon Stone’s Role in Basic Instinct Changed Hollywood
As Sharon Stone herself admitted, her portrayal of the character Catherine Tramell in the 1992 film Basic Instinct defied industry norms at the time. Female characters like hers were seldom cast as the main antagonist of the story, as the typically sinister roles were reserved for male actors. However, the pressure to prove to everyone got to her. She revealed,
“It was controversial at the time. I mean, it isn’t now. But at the time, it was so controversial to do something like that.–I was terrified going to work with this giant star Michael Douglas, and playing such a controversial role. I was playing a serial killer and I took it very, very seriously. I watched a lot of film of serial killers and why they did what they did. “
Therefore, Stone took it upon herself to prove to the world that women could excel in complex and powerful roles, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for greater opportunities for female actors in the industry. She further revealed,
“I read a lot of research to try to understand what happens to the mind. I was trying to understand a person who breaks to the point where serial killing doesn’t have a big impact on them … it’s like having a sandwich. It’s something they do. It’s their biggest thing, but it’s still not big enough for them. It’s not huge. Everything else has a certain kind of flatness to it.”
The actress invested countless hours to study the character and get into her skin in order to give out a convincing performance, and she did. Her dedication to the role not only catapulted her to fame, but also served as a turning point in her career, opening numerous doors of opportunity.
Sharon Stone Was Never the Same After Basic Instinct
Despite the glamor, the film gifted her post-release, Sharon Stone’s life during and after shooting the film was far from a fairy tale and was more like a nightmare. In a candid interview with Tom Power from CBC Q, the actress opened up about the harrowing toll that embodying the character took on her life, particularly her mental well-being.
While her extensive hours of research helped her in understanding the character swiftly, the charming yet dangerous Catherine Tramell refused to leave Stone even after the cameras stopped rolling as a result of that. She revealed,
“I had nightmares. I walked in my sleep. I woke up dressed in my car a couple times, like fully dressed sitting behind the wheel of my car. I never before or since have been walking in my sleep. Once I woke up and I thought my arm was cracking open like the desert and I called the poison control line.”
She further continued saying,
“I don’t even think I was really awake. I think that my mind was having trouble. While I was acting and while I was at work, I felt like I had a real handle on the character. But when I would go to sleep, my subconscious would take over and it was not OK with my behaviour during the day.”
Following the film’s release, the fame that ensued turned Sharon Stone’s life into a living hell as well. Although she has now grown accustomed to the spotlight, it was still difficult for her to handle initially. Nevertheless, despite the challenges thrown at her, the actress remains grateful for the opportunity.
Source: CBC-Q with Tom Power
