Where is the line between love and lust? Or, better yet, where is the line between love and hate? These are the questions that lie at the heart of the 1987 thriller Fatal Attraction. Shocking, scintillating, and suspenseful, the film captures the danger in giving in to desire. For a Valentine's Day that 'can't be ignored' join Alex and Dan in Fatal Attraction.
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| Scaring straying husbands straight since 1987 |
The story begins with successful attorney Dan Gallagher enjoying a stable but predictable life with his wife and young daughter. When his wife and daughter leave town for a family visit he crosses paths with book editor Alex Forest. Stifled by his humdrum existence he gives in to temptation and has what he believes is a one night stand with her. It becomes apparent that she has other plans when she insists that he spend the following day with her. He soon learns that she is deeply troubled when she attempts suicide after he remains firm in his intention to return home to his family. Despite his repeated rejections Alex continues to pursue Dan with increasingly desperate methods that ultimately turn dangerous. What ensues is a game of cat and mouse that takes the term pot-boiler to a whole new level.
Fatal Attraction sets itself apart from both romances and erotic thrillers in its unabashed celebration of the stability of family life. Whereas most romances would have depicted Dan and Alex's affair as an empowering, intoxicating, experience the film depicts it as ultimately empty and harmful. Similarly, while romance would have justified Dan's infidelity as a necessary respite from a family who don't understand or appreciate him the film instead depicts his dalliance as an act of selfishness and immaturity. Despite is sensual start the film also distinguishes itself from the erotic thrillers that would dominate the 1980's and 1990's by showing not only the allure of Alex's sexual assertiveness but following that trait to its terrifying conclusion. Fatal Attraction's depiction of its central pair's sordidness of the pair's tryst and its devastating consequences stands in stark contrast to its wholesome portrayal of Dan's family life. While the film aptly portrays his restlessness in his marriage it is the very predictable stability that he is trying to escape that he ultimately fights to return to. Whereas Alex represents the promise of excitement and danger Dan's wife, Beth, symbolizes the fulfillment of long-term commitment. Similarly, while Alex offers devilish temptation it is within Beth's quiet strength and moral fortitude that he ultimately finds his redemption. This Valentine's Day cuddle up with that special someone for dear life and enjoy a Fatal Attraction.
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| Love hurts |
