Fatal Attraction

"Fatal Attraction" is a 1987 psychological thriller film directed by Adrian Lyne, based on the play "Betrayal" by Warren Adler. The movie stars Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, and Anne Archer in pivotal roles. The film tells the story of a married man who becomes embroiled in a complicated and ultimately perilous affair with a woman. Dan Gallagher, a successful advertising executive played by Michael Douglas, is married to his wife Carolyn (Anne Archer), a wealthy and attractive woman who is deeply devoted to their young daughter. Dan seems to be a man of great charm and charisma, with a seemingly perfect life outside of his professional endeavors. However, his world is turned upside down when, at a business dinner, he meets Alex Forrest, a beautiful and charming woman who works as a lawyer. Unintentionally, Dan and Alex begin a one-night stand, something that is not meant to last, let alone be shared with anyone else. Alex, seemingly aware of her own vulnerability and emotional instability, becomes attached to Dan, believing him to be in love with her. Despite their clear differences and the brevity of their relationship, Alex starts to see them together and eventually develops an unhealthy obsession with Dan. When the affair is discovered by Carolyn, she demands that Dan cut ties with Alex. Dan eventually complies, but Alex, realizing she has become an integral part of Dan's life, begins to pursue him aggressively. In the midst of his attempt to end their affair, Dan is met with the unrelenting desire of Alex, who refuses to let go of him. Dan becomes the object of Alex's unquenchable obsession. Alex shows up at Dan's workplace and home uninvited, displaying a disturbing behavior. Her fixation on Dan becomes increasingly more erratic and disturbing as time goes by. In one memorable scene, she is seen at Dan's family's home, dressed in her nightgown, suggesting she believes herself to be more than just a casual encounter. The behavior she displays at this point in the movie sends a chilling message to both Dan and Carolyn: she's someone to fear. The situation escalates even further when Alex becomes increasingly jealous of Dan's time spent with his family. Alex is not deterred in any way by Dan's disconnection and rejection of her advances; even after being told multiple times that she must leave him alone, Alex refuses to let go of the relationship, becoming aggressive and violent as her behavior progresses. In response to Alex's actions, Dan, who initially tries to reason with her, eventually calls a family doctor to intervene. However, Alex refuses to heed the doctor's warnings and the situation comes to a violent confrontation. In the chaos and panic of the confrontation, Alex loses control completely, killing Dan's daughter with a kitchen knife by accident, which then causes him to fight Alex to death. Upon learning that Alex took the life of Dan's young daughter, the movie's protagonist is overwhelmed by grief, anger, and guilt. He tries to escape from the guilt, but ultimately accepts it, reflecting on what went wrong with Alex.