80sfilms

In 1987, a cautionary tale of cheating on one’s spouse hit the theaters.

The film, Fatal Attraction, starred Michael Douglas as Dan Gallagher, a big shot New York City attorney with a loving wife (Anne Archer) and cute-as-a-button daughter. 

Dan has the job, the home life and, apparently, a wandering eye. When he meets Alex Forrest (played by Glenn Close), he decides to throw it all away for some sex.

Dan thinks one night is enough, but Alex wants him all to herself, and she does anything to get what she wants.

Director Adrian Lyne continued the same theme with Unfaithful (2002), and also directed Indecent Proposal (1993), Jacob’s Ladder (1990), Nine 1/2 Weeks (1986), Flashdance (1983), and Foxes (1980).

Beyond Fatal Attraction, Douglas enjoyed a string of successful 80s roles in films such as Romancing the Stone (1984), The War of the Roses (1989), Black Rain (1989), Wall Street (1987), A Chorus Line (1985) and The Jewel of the Nile (1985).
   
Close reprised this role of unhinged, evil incarnate in the cable television drama “Damages.” Archer has enjoyed a successful television career with guest parts on shows such as “Ghost Whisperer”, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, “The L Word”, and “Boston Public”.

Be sure to keep your eye out for Jane Krakowski of television’s “30 Rock”, who plays the babysitter in Fatal Attraction.

While I question the attraction of Alex and Dan (on both parts, as I find neither one that appealing), on the whole, Fatal Attraction is a suspenseful, roller coaster ride of emotion that proves that sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side, it’s just plain crazy.

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