Hollywood is an industry where art and reality can often have blurred lines, but there are few films that have been accused of pushing the boundaries too much, and one of them is 9 ½ Weeks. The 1986 erotic drama starred Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke and became one of the most controversial films of its time.
There were many rumors about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the two co-stars, and now, decades later, Basinger has finally opened up. So, let’s dive into the story and look at what the actress has to say
9 ½ Weeks director’s controversial methods that pushed Kim Basinger to the edge
Adrian Lyne is known for creating erotic thrillers, and this time around, he didn’t just intend to direct 9 ½ Weeks like a movie but orchestrate it like an experience. The film is based on Elizabeth McNeill’s novel, exploring the tumultuous and s*xually charged relationship between an art dealer, played by Kim Basinger, and a Wall Street Trader, essayed by Mickey Rourke.
According to The New York Times article published in 1986, Lyne would intentionally try to create an atmosphere of tension and fear to get an authentic reaction from Basinger. He reportedly instructed the two leads to not interact off-camera, which ensured that their chemistry had some level of unease.
There was also a fake suicide scene, which was later removed from the final cut. But as per sources, Rourke was instructed to treat Basinger miserably for achieving the desired emotional intensity. The chaotic and unscripted exchange was too draining for the actress, but she had no regrets about doing the film.
Kim Basinger addresses the rumors about her and Mickey Rourke
In a recent interview with Variety, Kim Basinger spoke about the long-standing rumor about her having a feud with Mickey Rourke. She clarified that the on-set tension between them was purely professional and even praised him.
I wanted to meet Mickey Rourke in that grocery store [depicted in the film]. I did not want to say hello to him before. I didn’t want to talk to him on the set. It had nothing to do with all the stuff you read on the internet about he and I hating each other. I loved him. He’s a brilliant actor too. But when I met him for the first time, it was on film. And I never saw him any other time.
However, she described her relationship with the director as a “love-hate” dynamic. Despite the emotional toll that the movie took on her, she remains proud of her work and the opportunities it brought her. The actress also acknowledged the need for having safer working places, along with trust and communication between actors and directors.
You can watch 9 ½ Weeks on Prime Video.
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