Michael Douglas Recalls Sharon Stone's Rash After "Basic Instinct" Sex Scene
The actor described the uncomfortable aftermath of filming an intimate scene in the 1992 erotic thriller in his new memoir.
Michael Douglas has shared details from the filming of the explicit sex scenes in the 1992 erotic thriller "Basic Instinct," revealing that an intimate scene with co-star Sharon Stone resulted in a rash for the actress. Douglas, now 82, recounts the incident in his new memoir, "One Helluva Ride."
According to Douglas, he and Stone had agreed not to use body doubles for the scene, which was shot over five days. He noted that Stone initially wore a patch for modesty but eventually decided to remove it during filming.
During the scene, which depicted the characters engaging in passionate intimacy, Stone reportedly complained that Douglas's facial stubble was causing her discomfort. Douglas explained that while they were not actually intimate, he had to get close to sensitive areas of her body for the scene to appear realistic. He recalled Stone asking him to "go easy" because his stubble was "really scratching me."
Upon closer inspection, Douglas saw that Stone's upper thighs were red and chafed, an observation that made him feel "horrible."
Douglas prepared for his role in "Basic Instinct" by losing 25 pounds but drew the line at full frontal nudity, a requirement that Stone reportedly fulfilled. Stone famously appeared without underwear in the film's iconic police interrogation scene, crossing and uncrossing her legs while wearing a short dress.
Reflecting on that scene years later, Stone commented that what was once considered scandalous now seems "very, very ordinary." She suggested that increased female representation in filmmaking may be shifting away from male-driven fantasies.
However, Stone has also stated in her memoir, "The Beauty of Living Twice," that she felt "tricked" into exposing herself during the interrogation scene. She described slapping director Paul Verhoeven and leaving a screening after discovering her crotch was visible, contrary to what she claims Verhoeven had told her.
Verhoeven has disputed Stone's account, asserting that any actress would know the consequences of removing underwear for a scene where the camera focuses on that area.