Kim Basinger has recently addressed her long-standing professional relationship with Mickey Rourke, stating she “loved” working with him nearly 40 years ago, dispelling any rumors of a feud that surfaced after filming their iconic erotic drama, 9½ Weeks, in 1986. In an interview with Variety, the Oscar-winning actress clarified that her interactions with Rourke on set were intentional and crafted for the film, revealing a unique approach to her role.
“I wanted to meet Mickey Rourke in that grocery store [depicted in the film],” Basinger, 71, explained. “I did not want to say hello to him before. I didn’t want to talk to him on the set. It had nothing to do with all the stuff you read on the internet about he and I hating each other.” Her sentiments highlighted the commitment she brought to the character of Elizabeth McGraw, whose romantic journey with Rourke’s John Gray begins in a grocery store, setting the stage for their passionate affair.
In her conversation, Basinger expressed admiration for Rourke, stating, “I loved him. He’s a brilliant actor too.” She emphasized that their initial encounter was exclusive to the film, adding a layer of authenticity to their on-screen chemistry. The actress also shared her complicated admiration for the film’s director, Adrian Lyne, noting she had a “love-hate” relationship with him while expressing her appreciation for his bold filmmaking style.
Reflecting on the film’s legacy, Basinger mentioned that it could not be made in the same way today, citing changes in societal norms and film censorship. “I have some of the most loyal fans in the world because of 9½ Weeks,” she stated, underscoring the impact of the film on her career and public perception. She praised Lyne’s nonconformist approach, declaring, “Talk about out-of-the-box and unafraid. He’s fought censorship his whole life, which is a bad war to fight all the time.”
Lyne, who also directed hits like Flashdance and Fatal Attraction, previously discussed their dynamic during a 2015 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He explained that the film was shot in a way that allowed Rourke and Basinger’s relationship to develop more organically on screen, utilizing continuity to their advantage. Lyne recalled a pivotal scene that was cut, detailing how he pushed Rourke to challenge Basinger emotionally to elicit a more authentic performance from her.
As Lyne stated, “There was a scene where he’s testing her — it got cut — and he wants her to take pills, essentially die for him.” He shared his strategy to capture a raw and genuine reaction from Basinger, highlighting how Rourke’s involvement in the process helped make her performance powerful. “So I spoke to Mickey and said, ‘We’ve got to do something to break her down.’ So he grabbed her arm and wouldn’t let go. She became angry then tearful,” Lyne recounted.
In addition to discussing her relationship with Rourke, Basinger also touched on her past marriage to Alec Baldwin, revealing that they maintain a cordial relationship despite not seeing each other often. “Alec and I have a great relationship,” she acknowledged. “We talk. He’ll pick up the phone and call me. We have a very genuinely cordial and I think loving relationship in a lot of ways, just because we share a daughter.”
Currently, Basinger’s latest work was in 2017 with Fifty Shades Darker, and she clarified during her interview that she is not retired from acting, but rather selective about her projects, stating she reads “a lot of bad material.” This clarity regarding her career, alongside her gratitude for her relationship with Mickey Rourke, serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of their collaboration nearly four decades ago.
