10 Directors Who Broke Their Stars To Make Famous Movies

7. Adrian Lyne Alienated Kim Basinger (And Had Mickey Rourke Slap Her) On 9 1/2 Weeks

One of those of-the-time erotic thrillers barely remembered today, 9 1/2 Weeks is at least never going to be forgotten by star Kim Basinger, who chiefly remembers the "terror" of her experience working with the film's director Adrian Lyne. You see, in order to get the performance he wanted, Lyne subject Basinger to some fearsome mind games. This included keeping a barrier between Basinger and her co-star Mickey Rourke, alienating Basinger from the cast and crew, and spreading gossip about the actress in order to create an awkward atmosphere on-set. People from outside the set were, according to Lyne, disturbed by the intensity of what Basinger was doing and by how Lyne was getting her to that point. Lyne instructed Rourke, too, to take part in the psychological tactics, eventually leading to the actor slapping Basinger and making her cry. Basinger started exhibiting mood swings and signs of depression as a result of Lyne's approach, leading to problems in her marriage.