MovieChat Forums > Basic Instinct (1992) Discussion > She didn't kill Nick because he was a pl...

She didn't kill Nick because he was a player

posted 6 years ago by Starman (412)
18 replies | jump to latest

I wonder if most people also see that Nick ended up with Tramell at the end, because he has proven to be her worthy opponent, she realized that he was a perfect match to her. Also with the years after this movie, it's easier looking into her psyche, one could see hints that she was psychopathic and also perhaps slightly schizophrenic, what is astounding how on a few occasions she was intentionally using the power of suggestion using thoughts as keys to unlocking desired reality, not much different from black magick, completely taking all over him bits by bits, this is a lot more sinister than it may seem at first, no one can achieve what she does without some energy work (which is all playing with thoughts is about), it's almost like Tramell was looking into Nick's life before the film even started and saw that he could be the right guy for her, she was spontaneous too, she started writing a book about him just out of the blue. This film is fascinating because it is all like a game, no one seems to be who they really are. Another thing, Nick's as a shooter, as someone surrounded by death questioning his own sanity and innocence is reflected by other characters like Tramell or Roxy, it's like death is following him, and that's the work of the universe right there, law of attraction. The whole film is about him from that particular angle.

[–] Tabbycat (915) 6 years ago

A central theme is that he is nearly her equal, or at least that she sees him as such.
They both have the same “basic instinct.”

[–] Drooch (5333) 5 years ago

Yeah I don’t think they’re ‘the same’ - she’s clearly a sociopath who delights in psychologically ruining people and, the clues suggest, brutally murdering them for her own sadistic pleasure, possibly including her own parents. He’s a normal, decent guy who’s a little burned out and has mild sex addiction (which is hardly his fault when the likes of Stone and Tripplehorn are throwing themselves at him)

[–] Patman111196 (1893) 4 years ago

While is it clear that she psychopathic and has very little remorse for her actions, I am under the impression she had Borderline personality Disorder. She was going to kill him sometime, but she became too attached to him as she implied in the final scene. She would have probably killed him when she became bored of him or he didn't live up to her expectations, which could have possibly taken a fairly long time. Like the OP suggested, she seemed legit interested in his past rather than just using it for his book.

[–] kuatorises (7467) 4 years ago

Normal decent guy, LOL? He killed 3 innocent people in this movie and knowingly fucked a serial killer.

[–] Drooch (5333) 4 years ago

Which ‘innocent people’? Roxy was trying to kill him and she crashed her car, he wasn’t trying to kill her and even showed sadness at her death.

Shooting Beth was an honest mistake, it looks like she’s just bludgeoned Gus and she’s walking toward him, reaching into her pocket and ignoring his orders to ‘freeze’. Again, he’s aghast that Beth is dead.

Who’s the third one..?

[–] kuatorises (7467) 4 years ago

Nick shot two tourists, which is why he was under investigation and being ordered to see Beth - who he also shot - for psych treatment. He does coke while on the job. He sides with a serial killer. He is not a good guy.

[–] Drooch (5333) 4 years ago

Why did he shoot the tourists?

[–] kuatorises (7467) 4 years ago

I believe he was high on coke.

[–] Drooch (5333) 4 years ago

You think he snorted some coke then went and shot two tourists while high?

[–] kuatorises (7467) 4 years ago

Have you even seen the movie?

"Nick, who accidentally shot two tourists while high on cocaine during an undercover assignment, attends counseling sessions with police psychologist Dr. Beth Garner, with whom he has an on and off affair. Nick discovers that Catherine is basing the protagonist of her latest book on him, wherein his character is murdered after falling for the wrong woman. Nick also learns that Catherine has bribed Lt. Marty Nielsen of Internal Affairs for information from Nick's psychiatric file and that Beth had previously given it to Nielsen after he threatened to recommend Nick's termination. Nick assaults Nielsen in his office, and later becomes a prime suspect when Nielsen is killed. Nick suspects Catherine, and when his behavior deteriorates, he is put on leave."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_Instinct

https://hero.fandom.com/wiki/Nick_Curran

[–] Drooch (5333) 4 years ago

OK but he didn’t get coked up and go on a killing spree for fun, it was an accident, manslaughter at worst.

[–] kuatorises (7467) 4 years ago

3 counts of manslaughter over the course of this movie. Think maybe the guy has a problem?

[–] Drooch (5333) 4 years ago

No.

[–] Patman111196 (1893) 4 years ago

He is definitely a douchebag. He probably was addicted. The movis all about how he keeps on doing stupid and harmful behavior to himself throughout much of his life.

[–] Tabbycat (915) 6 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Otter (24464) 6 years ago

My take on the ending is:

She didn't kill him... yet.

[–] kuatorises (7467) 4 years ago

Exactly. She was turned on because he played the game. He is a guy who was inching closer and closer to what she is. It made her panties wet. He could piss her off the next morning and she'd try to kill him, because that's how she is.

[–] kuatorises (7467) 4 years ago

They could have had sex the very next time and she killed him. She was erratic, impulsive, and unpredictable. She slept with him and was willing to drop him the second she was finished her book and done using him. Then because he was nearly as deranged as she was, it turned her on. She was totally going to kill him, but loved that he played head games too. It was a sudden change of year. It's totally possible a psycho like her would change her mind the very next day.