Fatal Attraction Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lawyer has a really bad hookup, and now he has to learn a lesson about zippers…and bunny rabbits.

🍿 Fatal Attraction: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Affair Begins

Dan Gallagher, a successful lawyer, has a weekend fling with Alex Forrest while his wife, Beth, is away. What Dan considers a brief indiscretion, Alex sees as the start of a serious relationship. Their initial encounter is passionate and seemingly harmless, setting the stage for future turmoil. Both characters are initially presented as successful and driven, masking the underlying instability that will soon emerge.

Obsession Escalates

Alex refuses to accept that the affair is over and begins to stalk Dan, calling his home and office relentlessly. She reveals she’s pregnant and intends to keep the child, further entangling Dan in her web. This phase marks a turning point, as Alex’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and threatening. The pressure mounts on Dan as he struggles to conceal the truth from his wife.

Terror and Violence

Alex’s obsession culminates in acts of violence, including the infamous killing of Ellen’s pet rabbit and stalking the family at their new home in Bedford. Dan confesses to Beth about the affair after the rabbit incident which leads to more terror and violence. The bunny scene symbolizes the escalation of Alex’s actions and her willingness to inflict emotional pain on Dan’s family. The tension builds as Beth becomes aware of the danger Alex poses.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas): A successful, married lawyer whose life spirals out of control after a weekend affair.
• Alex Forrest (Glenn Close): A troubled and obsessive woman who stalks Dan after their brief affair.
• Beth Gallagher (Anne Archer): Dan’s loyal wife who must confront her husband’s infidelity and protect her family.
• Ellen Gallagher (Ellen Latzen): Dan and Beth’s young daughter, who becomes a target in Alex’s increasingly dangerous obsession.
• Jimmy (Stuart Pankin): Dan’s friend and colleague, who offers advice and support during the unfolding crisis.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alex: “I’m not going to be ignored, Dan!” – Said by Alex to Dan, encapsulating her desperation and rage at being dismissed after their affair.
• Alex: “If you leave me, I’ll kill myself.” – Alex’s manipulative threat to Dan, showcasing the extreme nature of her obsession.
• Dan: “I made a mistake.” – Dan’s admission of guilt to his wife Beth, highlighting the central theme of marital infidelity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $156,645,693
• Worldwide Gross: $320,145,693

💥 Fatal Attraction Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched this movie thinking it would be some cheesy ’80s thriller, but it actually got under my skin! Glenn Close is seriously amazing as Alex, and the whole situation is just so messed up. I was squirming in my seat during the rabbit scene – I can’t believe they went there! And honestly, I felt bad for Alex, even though she was totally crazy. Definite must-see if you like suspenseful movies that make you think.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in relationship dramas”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful and intense movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Violence”
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Animal harm (rabbit scene)”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Fatal Attraction is a well-made, suspenseful film that falters only in its over-the-top, slasher-movie ending. The performances by Douglas and Close are compelling, making it a cautionary tale worth watching, if you ignore the finale.
• Variety: “Adrian Lyne’s direction builds tension effectively, and the performances are strong. Fatal Attraction serves as a potent, if somewhat exaggerated, look at the dangers of infidelity.
• The New York Times: “Glenn Close delivers a terrifying performance, elevating Fatal Attraction beyond a simple thriller. While the plot borders on the absurd, the film’s exploration of obsession and consequences is gripping.

Audience Reactions

Glenn Close’s performance as Alex Forrest is iconic and terrifying.: Most viewers agree that Glenn Close’s acting is the highlight, making the character both sympathetic and frightening.

The film serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of infidelity.: Many consider the movie a powerful warning against cheating, showcasing the devastating impact on all parties involved.

Overall Consensus: A suspenseful thriller with strong performances, particularly by Glenn Close, though the ending is divisive.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Editing)- 1989

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Glenn Close initially hesitated to take the role of Alex Forrest, fearing it would stigmatize her and affect her career.”
• “The original ending, which involved Alex Forrest committing suicide and framing Dan Gallagher for her murder, was scrapped after test audiences reacted negatively.”
• “Michael Douglas actively sought the role of Dan Gallagher after reading the script and feeling drawn to the character’s moral complexities.”

🖥️ How to Watch Fatal Attraction?

Fatal Attraction is available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+ and through rental or purchase on services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Fatal Attraction, you might like these similar films:

• Unfaithful (2002): Explores the consequences of adultery and the destructive nature of secrets within a marriage.
• Cape Fear (1991): Features a protagonist terrorized by someone from their past seeking revenge, creating a similar atmosphere of suspense and dread.
• Single White Female (1992): Focuses on obsession and the dangerous consequences when someone becomes fixated on another person’s life.

🛒 Fatal Attraction Related Products

• Fatal Attraction [Blu-ray]: Experience the gripping thriller in high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Includes special features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Fatal Attraction Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster. A classic piece of film memorabilia.
• Fatal Attraction: Obsession Game: Test your skills in this intense strategy game based on the film, where you are a lawyer who is in love with Alex Forest and who takes his life in danger.
• Fatal Attraction: The Novel: Dive deeper into the story with the novelization of Fatal Attraction. Experience the characters’ thoughts and motivations in detail.

🎧 Soundtrack

Fatal Attraction features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Selections from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly” – performed by Giacomo Puccini, Mirella Freni, Luciano Pavarotti, Christa Ludwig, Herbert von Karajan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Alex from Fatal Attraction in a Support Group – SNL

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Alex from ‘Fatal Attraction’ went to a support group? This hilarious SNL sketch explores that very scenario, with Glenn Close reprising her iconic role. Get ready for a wild and funny ride!

Glenn Close Breaks Down Her Career, from ‘Fatal Attraction’ to ‘101 Dalmatians’ | Vanity Fair

Join Glenn Close as she takes us on a journey through her iconic career, sharing her experiences and insights on some of her most memorable roles, including her unforgettable performance in ‘Fatal Attraction.’ This in-depth interview is a must-watch for fans of great acting and filmmaking.

Analyzing Evil: Alex Forrest From Fatal Attraction

What makes a villain truly evil? This video takes a deep dive into the character of Alex Forrest from ‘Fatal Attraction,’ exploring her psychological complexities and motivations. Prepare to be intrigued and disturbed as we uncover the dark side of human desire.

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