Since its famed introduction of the ‘boiled bunny, ‘
Fatal Attraction (1987) established itself as one of American
cinema’s most controversial films. This insightful new
book surveys the film’s formal features and its ideological
impact, paying special attention to the film’s signature mix
of sexuality, fear, and family values.
* Features detailed breakdowns of the formal techniques the film
employs to create suspense, such as turning ordinary household
objects into agents of terror
* Considers the film’s mixed-genre status as a thriller,
melodrama, horror picture, and film noir
* Offers an explanation and analysis of the cultural storm
ignited by the film, especially due to its treatment of single
career women
* Investigates the film’s handling of extramarital
sexuality, pregnancy, birth control, and AIDS
* Discusses the film’s lasting role in shaping American
gender politics
Table of Content
List of Illustrations.
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
1. ‘I’m Not Going to be Ignored, Dan’:
Narrative Cues for Suspense and Intimidation.
2. American Genres in Fatal Attraction.
3. Career Women of the 1980s: Feminism and the Reception History
of Fatal Attraction.
4. Erotic Sexuality, AIDS, and the Case for Staying
Faithful.
5. Female Identities and Postfeminist Paradigms.
Notes.
Works Cited.
Index.
About the author
Suzanne Leonard is a Assistant Professor of English at Simmons College.
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