The Allure of Obsession: How Ruth Wilson and Glenn Close Defined the “Fatal Attraction” Archetype
Fatal Attraction: Setting the Stage for Obsession
The silver screen has long been captivated by characters who blur the lines between love and obsession, desire and destruction. This fascination has given rise to the “Fatal Attraction” archetype – a figure, often female, whose intense passion spirals into dangerous fixation, leaving a trail of chaos and heartbreak in its wake. The film Fatal Attraction, released in nineteen eighty-seven, became a cultural touchstone, solidifying the image of the scorned lover driven to extremes. Decades later, the television series The Affair presented a contemporary take on this trope, embodied by Ruth Wilson’s portrayal of Alison Lockhart. While Glenn Close’s Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction established the core traits of the obsessive, scorned lover, Ruth Wilson’s Alison Lockhart in The Affair subverts and enriches the archetype by exploring the character’s trauma, motivations, and multiple perspectives, ultimately prompting a reevaluation of the “Fatal Attraction” trope and the societal narratives surrounding female anger and mental health.
Fatal Attraction: Setting the Stage for Obsession
When Fatal Attraction stormed into theaters, it ignited a firestorm of discussion. Released in nineteen eighty-seven, the film quickly became a box office sensation and a cultural phenomenon. Its gripping narrative and provocative themes resonated with audiences, sparking debates about infidelity, female sexuality, and the perceived dangers of the modern woman. At its core, Fatal Attraction tells the story of Dan Gallagher, a successful married lawyer who embarks on a weekend affair with Alex Forrest, a vibrant and independent businesswoman. What begins as a seemingly harmless indiscretion quickly unravels as Alex becomes increasingly obsessed with Dan, refusing to let go of their brief connection.
Alex Forrest is the embodiment of the “Fatal Attraction” archetype. Initially presented as a strong, intelligent, and alluring woman, she captivates Dan with her confidence and independence. However, when Dan attempts to end the affair and return to his family, Alex’s behavior takes a dramatic turn. Rejection triggers a descent into obsession, marked by increasingly erratic and disturbing actions. She stalks Dan and his family, makes threatening phone calls, and even escalates to violence, culminating in the infamous bunny boiling scene that has become synonymous with the film. Glenn Close’s portrayal of Alex is masterful, capturing both the character’s initial vulnerability and her terrifying menace. Close imbues Alex with a sense of wounded pride and a desperate desire for connection, making her a complex and unsettling figure.
The film’s success and its portrayal of Alex Forrest tapped into deep-seated societal anxieties. In the nineteen eighties, as women were increasingly entering the workforce and challenging traditional gender roles, Fatal Attraction seemed to reinforce fears about female independence and sexuality. Some critics argued that the film demonized working women, portraying Alex as a predatory figure who threatened the sanctity of the family. The film’s ending, which was reportedly altered to be more explicitly violent and punitive towards Alex, further fueled this controversy. The altered ending reinforced the narrative that female transgression must be punished, leaving a lasting and problematic impact on the cultural perception of female anger and desire. Regardless of the debates, Fatal Attraction undeniably left an impact on society’s collective mindset on relationships.
The Affair: A Modern Reinterpretation of Obsession
Years later, The Affair emerged as a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of relationships, trauma, and the complexities of human behavior. Unlike Fatal Attraction, which presents a single, largely male perspective, The Affair employs a multi-perspective narrative, allowing viewers to witness events through the eyes of multiple characters. This narrative structure fundamentally alters the way the “Fatal Attraction” archetype is presented, particularly in the character of Alison Lockhart, played with remarkable depth and sensitivity by Ruth Wilson.
One of the defining characteristics of The Affair is its innovative use of multiple perspectives. Each episode presents the same events from the viewpoints of different characters, often revealing conflicting interpretations of reality. This narrative device forces viewers to question their own assumptions and biases, prompting them to consider the complexities of human memory and perception. In the case of Alison Lockhart, the multi-perspective narrative allows the audience to gain a deeper understanding of her motivations, her vulnerabilities, and the trauma that shapes her actions.
Alison Lockhart is far more than a simple “Fatal Attraction” figure. She is a woman grappling with profound grief, a troubled marriage, and a deep sense of isolation. Having lost her young child in a tragic accident, Alison is haunted by the past and struggles to find meaning in her life. Her affair with Noah Solloway, a married writer, becomes a desperate attempt to escape her pain and rediscover her sense of self. While her actions may sometimes be destructive, they are rooted in a deep-seated emotional turmoil that challenges the simplistic view of her as a “crazy woman.”
Ruth Wilson’s performance as Alison is a masterclass in nuanced acting. She portrays Alison not as a caricature, but as a fully realized human being with flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Wilson captures Alison’s quiet desperation, her fierce protectiveness, and her moments of unexpected joy. She avoids the sensationalism often associated with the “Fatal Attraction” trope, instead focusing on the character’s inner life and her struggle to cope with trauma.
A key element in understanding Alison’s character is recognizing the role of trauma in shaping her behavior. The loss of her child, combined with other painful experiences, has left her deeply scarred. Her affair with Noah becomes a manifestation of her unresolved grief and her desperate need for connection. While her actions may have detrimental results, they stem from a place of profound pain and a yearning for healing. The Affair demonstrates a far better way of writing characters by allowing Alison’s actions to be motivated by her pain, thus allowing her more depth and dimension as a character.
Comparing and Contrasting the Characters of Alex and Alison
While Alex Forrest and Alison Lockhart both embody elements of the “Fatal Attraction” archetype, there are also significant differences between the characters. Examining these similarities and differences can illuminate the evolution of the trope and the changing social attitudes that influence its portrayal.
Both Alex and Alison possess an initial allure that draws their respective partners in. Alex is confident, successful, and sexually liberated, while Alison is vulnerable, mysterious, and emotionally wounded. Both women experience a sense of betrayal and anger when their affairs are threatened, and this anger fuels their subsequent actions. Both Alex and Alison’s obsessions bring about devastating consequences, not only for themselves but also for those around them.
However, the motivations and contexts surrounding their obsessions differ significantly. Alex’s obsession seems to stem from a sense of entitlement and a refusal to be rejected. Alison’s behavior, on the other hand, is more deeply rooted in trauma and a desperate search for meaning. Fatal Attraction presents a largely one-sided perspective, focusing primarily on Dan’s experience of being stalked and threatened. The Affair, with its multi-perspective narrative, offers a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of Alison’s motivations. While Alex is often portrayed as a cautionary tale, Alison is a more sympathetic and complex figure, whose actions are seen to be a response to a deep-seated emotional pain.
The Affair represents a significant evolution in the portrayal of the “Fatal Attraction” character. By exploring Alison’s trauma, motivations, and multiple perspectives, the series moves beyond the simplistic and often misogynistic portrayals of the past. The Affair reflects changing social attitudes towards women, mental health, and the complexities of human relationships. The show challenges viewers to question their own assumptions about female rage, obsession, and the societal pressures that contribute to such behavior.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of Obsession
The “Fatal Attraction” archetype has long captivated audiences, reflecting our fascination with the darker aspects of human desire and the devastating consequences of unchecked obsession. Glenn Close’s iconic portrayal of Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction established the core traits of this archetype, solidifying its place in popular culture. However, Ruth Wilson’s performance as Alison Lockhart in The Affair offers a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of this character, challenging viewers to question their own assumptions and biases.
The Affair moves beyond the simplistic and often judgmental portrayals of the past, presenting a more complex and humanized perspective on female rage, trauma, and the search for connection. The series invites us to consider the societal factors that contribute to such behavior and to recognize the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating the complexities of human relationships.
The legacy of Fatal Attraction continues to resonate in contemporary storytelling. While the film sparked important conversations about female sexuality and the anxieties surrounding the modern woman, The Affair takes the archetype to new depths, prompting a reevaluation of the societal narratives surrounding mental health and the lasting impact of trauma. In a world that continues to grapple with the complexities of human relationships, Fatal Attraction and The Affair serve as powerful reminders of the allure of obsession and the importance of understanding the human heart, in all its messy and complicated glory. The lessons learned from both masterpieces show what one-sided narratives and multifaceted storytelling can do to change opinions about the subject and make the audience sympathize and empathize with each character.
