Sharon Stone discloses that she was deceived into forgoing underwear during the famous leg-crossing scene, a pivotal moment in Paul Verhoeven's 1992 movie that contributed significantly to her rise to fame.
According to Stone's recollection, a member of the film's production team insisted she remove her panties, asserting that the white color would reflect the light and ensure that nothing inappropriate would be visible. In an excerpt obtained by Vanity Fair magazine, Stone recounts the unsettling directive: "We can't see anything, I just need you to take off your panties, since the white reflects the light, so I know you have them on."
As the actress delves into her memoir, she sheds light on the myriad sexist and sexual encounters she faced throughout her career. The autobiography, set to be released in 2021, promises a candid exploration of Stone's life, including the challenges posed by the entertainment industry's gender dynamics.
Stone further reveals that when she first witnessed the completed 'Basic Instinct,' she was surrounded by a room full of individuals unrelated to the project, including agents and lawyers. The actress, upon seeing the now-infamous leg-crossing scene, reacted by slapping director Paul Verhoeven across the face. Disturbed by the violation of her privacy, she promptly contacted her attorney, Marty Singer.
In the book, Stone details the legal advice she received from Singer, who emphasized the impropriety of recording her in such a manner. Despite the revelation, the actress was met with denial from Verhoeven, who dismissed any notion of her having options. Stone reflects on the unequal power dynamics prevalent in the industry, lamenting, "I was just an actress, just a woman; what options could I have?"
In a bold and introspective move, Stone ultimately decided to allow the controversial scene to remain in the film, deeming it fitting for the movie and her character. Despite the internal conflict, she acknowledges the choice as her own, stating, "because it was right for the movie and for the character; and because, after all, I did it."
The actress, in a candid admission, discloses that the filming of 'Basic Instinct' haunted her with horrible nightmares. Beyond the sheer invasion of her privacy, Stone contemplates the widespread viewership of the film over the years, emphasizing the lasting impact beyond the initial act: "It's about more than just taking a look up my skirt," she writes, encapsulating the enduring complexity of her experience.
