I find 'Fatal Attraction' really romantic. I really like the

"I find 'Fatal Attraction' really romantic. I really like the seduction. Almost every time I see it, I'm surprised when it goes dark. I know that's the claim to fame, but I key into how genuinely romantic it is." These words from Shane Carruth invite us to explore the complexities of romance—how seduction and intensity can intertwine with desire, only to take unexpected turns as passions evolve into darker, more complicated realms. In Carruth's reflection, he sees the film's romantic elements—its allure, its chemistry, its moments of seduction—as integral to its power, not merely the tragedy or chaos that unfolds. "Fatal Attraction," a story that is known for its dangerous and obsessive love, reminds us that the essence of romantic connection is often much more than just beauty or affection; it can be equally complex, filled with intensity, and even destructive.

In the ancient world, love was never a simple, straightforward emotion. Plato in his writings, especially in the Symposium, spoke of eros (romantic love) as a force of great power, one that could inspire both the most noble actions and the most dangerous consequences. The Greek philosophers did not see love in the idealized sense we sometimes hold today; instead, they recognized that desire, seduction, and the pursuit of beauty could lead to transformation—but also to conflict and chaos. In the same way, Carruth reflects on how the seduction in "Fatal Attraction" begins as an alluring, almost pure romantic connection, only to spiral into dangerous obsession. It’s this tension, this transformation of passion, that makes the film, and the quote, so compelling.

Consider the story of Helen of Troy, whose beauty sparked the greatest war the ancient world had ever known. Her romantic allure was not just the attraction of a beautiful woman but a force that ignited the Trojan War. Paris, the prince of Troy, was seduced by Helen's beauty and her promises of love, but in that seduction, he unknowingly set in motion the destruction of his people. This tale is a dramatic example of how romance and seduction can be incredibly powerful forces—capable of both inspiring heroism and ruin. Like the romantic tension in Fatal Attraction, Helen’s beauty led to great passion and desire but also unleashed deep tragic consequences, highlighting the dual-edged nature of intense emotional connections.

The concept of seduction, which Carruth finds so romantic, has long been explored in literature, philosophy, and culture. It is a force that holds both the promise of fulfillment and the danger of consuming obsession. Seduction is not just about attraction but about the interplay of power, desire, and control. The seducer, like Clytemnestra in Greek tragedy, uses charm and allure to create connections that can bind others, leading them toward paths they may not have intended. In Fatal Attraction, the seduction is similarly layered—it begins with the promise of love and affection but gradually descends into obsession and destruction. What makes the story captivating, and what Carruth picks up on, is not just the thrills of seduction but the inherent danger of deep emotional entanglements.

There is a lesson in this, one that speaks to the complexity of romance. Romance is not just about the surface beauty or the initial attraction—it is about the depth of emotional connection, the intensity that comes with desire, and the consequences of falling too deeply into a connection without fully understanding its impact. Carruth sees this complexity in Fatal Attraction, recognizing the genuine romantic tension at the heart of it, but also understanding how easily that can evolve into something darker. The lesson is one of balance—to understand that love can be a beautiful, transformative force, but that it can also be all-consuming, leading to moments of great joy or overwhelming sorrow.

In your own life, remember the lessons that come from seduction, romance, and desire. These emotions are not inherently bad, nor are they always purely idealistic. Romance often exists in the space between the light and the dark, between passion and consequence. Be mindful of the power that love and desire hold—not just in the early, exciting stages of a relationship, but in the long, complicated journey that follows. Like the ancients, understand that romantic relationships are complex, filled with potential for both growth and destruction, and treat them with the care and awareness that they deserve. Romantic gestures, while full of passion, should always be tempered by understanding and responsibility for the emotional weight that comes with them.

The story of Fatal Attraction and Carruth's interpretation serves as a reminder that romance is not always about the perfect love story. Sometimes, it is about accepting the complexity of our desires, recognizing the fine line between affection and obsession, between love and danger. So, as you move through your own relationships, remember the power and the vulnerability that love brings. In every act of seduction, in every connection you forge, may you always be aware of both the beauty and the danger that come with deep emotional involvement. It is through this awareness that true romance can flourish, not as a fairytale, but as a deeply human experience.