Glenn Close Reveals the Movie That Showed People She Could Be 'Sexy'

Glenn Close, one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and versatile actresses, recently reflected on her career and the turning point that helped redefine how the world viewed her. In an interview, Close revealed that 1987's psychological thriller Fatal Attraction was the pivotal movie that marked the moment people began to recognize her sex appeal. Close, known for her wide range of performances, has often been celebrated for playing strong, complex, and sometimes icy characters. However, it wasn’t until her role in this iconic film that the audience saw her in a more sensual light.

The Evolution of Glenn Close's Career

Glenn Close’s journey in Hollywood began when she made her big-screen debut at 35 in The World According to Garp, a film where she starred opposite Robin Williams. While she had already built a successful career in theater, this movie marked her entry into mainstream cinema. Over the years, Close's career skyrocketed as she became one of Hollywood's brightest stars, receiving critical acclaim for a wide range of roles, from a vengeful and obsessive lover in Fatal Attraction to a manipulative aristocrat in Dangerous Liaisons. Close’s versatility is reflected in the diversity of characters she has portrayed, each with their own depth and complexity.

Close’s impact in Hollywood is undeniable, evidenced by her extraordinary eight Academy Award nominations. Despite this remarkable achievement, Close has often expressed feeling like an outsider within the industry. This sentiment might stem from the fact that she doesn’t fit the typical Hollywood mold, a factor that has led her to choose roles that challenge her as an actress. But it was Fatal Attraction that played a significant role in transforming her image in the public eye.

Fatal Attraction: A Turning Point

Fatal Attraction was a game-changer for Glenn Close. Directed by Adrian Lyne, the film is a psychological thriller centered around an affair between a married man, played by Michael Douglas, and a woman named Alex, portrayed by Close. What begins as a passionate fling quickly escalates into obsession, as Alex becomes unhinged when the affair ends. The film’s success was explosive, grossing over $320 million worldwide and becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 1987, behind only Three Men and a Baby.

It was also in this film that Close feels people first recognized her as a sexual being, something she hadn’t been widely associated with in her earlier roles. In a conversation with Willie Geist during an appearance on the Jan. 19 episode of Today’s Sunday Sitdown, Close explained, "I think it was the first time people realized I could be sexy." Her performance in Fatal Attraction revealed a side of her that had previously gone unnoticed by many in the industry.

The Challenges of Landing the Role of Alex Forrest

Close has spoken candidly about the struggles she faced while trying to land the role of Alex Forrest. Despite her talent, the producers of Fatal Attraction were initially hesitant about casting her in such a daring and sensual role. In an oral history celebrating the film’s 30th anniversary, Close revealed that producers were unconvinced about her ability to play the character, with one producer even stating, “Can she be sexy?” This doubt stemmed from the fact that Close had mostly been cast in roles that portrayed her as cold, calculating, or deeply emotional, rather than sensual or passionate.

However, Close was determined to prove her critics wrong. She recalled, "I thought, 'Well, you know, yes!'” Her confidence and determination paid off. Not only did she land the role, but her portrayal of Alex Forrest became iconic, helping to cement her status as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses. Fatal Attraction became a cultural phenomenon, and Close received widespread acclaim for her fearless performance, earning her the first of many Oscar nominations for Best Actress.

The Impact of Fatal Attraction on the Erotic Thriller Genre

Besides showcasing Close’s ability to exude sex appeal, Fatal Attraction also helped define an entire genre: the erotic thriller. The film played a key role in the rise of films during the late 1980s and early 1990s that combined suspense, romance, and sensuality. Movies like Basic Instinct and Body Heat followed in its wake, capitalizing on the success of Fatal Attraction and further exploring themes of passion, obsession, and betrayal. This period marked a time when mainstream Hollywood was more willing to embrace explicit sexuality in a thriller format, changing the way sex was portrayed in film.

The themes of obsession and the dangers of infidelity explored in Fatal Attraction resonated with audiences and critics alike. Close’s portrayal of Alex as a woman scorned — emotionally unhinged but undeniably captivating — became one of the most talked-about aspects of the film. Her complex and multifaceted performance helped elevate the film from being just another thriller to a cultural touchstone that remains relevant in discussions of cinema and gender dynamics.

The Notable Onscreen Chemistry Between Close and Michael Douglas

The chemistry between Glenn Close and Michael Douglas was also crucial to the film's success. The two actors shared several intense scenes that depicted Alex's obsession with Dan Gallagher (played by Douglas). One of the most memorable sequences in the film is a passionate love scene that takes place on a kitchen table. The scene is emblematic of the film's portrayal of forbidden desire, and it stood out as one of the most daring and sensual moments in the film.

In a 2017 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Douglas reflected on the scene, acknowledging the delicate balance between portraying sexuality in film and avoiding exploitation. He credited Close with making the scene feel authentic and powerful, saying, "Glenn was raring to go" when it came to performing the intimate moments. Douglas also recalled how Close suggested a detail involving the kitchen sink and water running, which added an extra layer of sensuality and realism to the scene. “It’s always good to have water running,” he joked, adding humor to an otherwise intense scene.

Close, for her part, agreed with Douglas’ assessment of the scene. She described it as “not terribly romantic” but instead “very real and kind of desperate and funny.” This comment speaks to the way Close approached her role as Alex — not as a stereotypical seductress, but as a woman consumed by emotion and passion. This depth is part of what made her performance so memorable and multi-dimensional.

Glenn Close’s Best Onscreen Kiss

While Michael Douglas certainly played a pivotal role in Fatal Attraction, it was another actor with whom Close shared what she considers her best onscreen kiss: Robert Redford. In a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Close revealed that her most memorable kiss occurred during the film The Natural. Close and Redford’s kiss was a brief yet significant moment in the film, with Close recalling, “I only got to kiss him once… Maybe we did two takes.” Despite this, she cherished the experience, saying that Redford “was a wonderful kisser.”

Still, it was Michael Douglas who helped Close create the infamous kitchen table scene in Fatal Attraction, which remains one of the hottest and most talked-about onscreen moments in film history. Close’s collaboration with Douglas helped create a scene that was not only sensual but emotionally charged, contributing to the lasting impact of the film.

Conclusion: A Career That Continues to Defy Expectations

Glenn Close’s career is a testament to her ability to defy expectations and continually surprise audiences with her performances. While she is perhaps best known for playing intense, dramatic roles, Fatal Attraction marked a significant moment in her career, proving that she could also be sensual and captivating. The film’s success helped establish her as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses, and her portrayal of Alex Forrest remains one of the most iconic performances of the 1980s. Close’s enduring success is a result of her commitment to choosing complex, challenging roles that demand a wide range of emotions and skills. Despite her feelings of being an outsider in Hollywood, she continues to bring authenticity and depth to every character she plays. With her impressive body of work and continued influence on the industry, Glenn Close remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema.