Kathleen Turner and Her Sultry Role in Body Heat
Kathleen Turner burst onto the Hollywood scene in 1981 with her star-making performance in the steamy neo-noir thriller Body Heat. Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, Body Heat featured Turner as a sultry femme fatale who seduces a Florida lawyer played by William Hurt into killing her wealthy husband. The film marked Turner's film debut and she instantly became famous for her smoldering sexuality and captivating screen presence.
In Body Heat, Turner plays Matty Walker, a married socialite who embarks on a torrid affair with local lawyer Ned Racine (Hurt). Their passion ultimately leads to murder, but not before the audience is treated to some of the most titillating love scenes ever captured on film.
The Iconic Opening Scene
Body Heat wastes no time establishing Turner as a new Hollywood sex symbol. In the opening scene, we're introduced to Matty lounging outside on a hot summer night in a revealing white outfit. The outfit showcases Turner's incredible figure and transforms her into an object of desire for any man who crosses her path.
As Matty engages in clever banter with Ned, the sexual tension between them is palpable. Turner demonstrates a cool self-possession in the scene that only heightens her allure. And when Matty finally removes her sunglasses, her piercing green eyes seem to hint at mysteries yet to be revealed.
The Steamy Love Scenes
Once their affair begins, Body Heat treats the audience to several steamy love scenes between Turner and Hurt. Their on-screen chemistry is off the charts as they passionately kiss and clutch at one another with abandon.
One especially memorable scene has Ned and Matty making love in a windy cabana as papers swirl around them. Turner is topless in the scene, demonstrating a level of comfort with nudity that was daring for an actress in the early 1980s. The rawness and passion on display make it one of the sexiest movie moments of all time.
Matty's Slinky Costumes
Throughout the film, Turner sports an array of revealing costumes that only amplify her sex appeal. She wears tight pencil skirts, flimsy robes, and slinky dresses that hug every curve. Costume designer Eric Seelig knew exactly how to showcase Turner's bombshell figure through Matty's wardrobe.
One particular standout outfit is the white off-the-shoulder dress Matty wears on the night she lures Ned into her plan. The dress features a plunging neckline and thigh-high slit that Turner works to full advantage. Even decades later, Turner smoldering in that dress remains an iconic fashion moment.
How Body Heat Launched Turner's Career
Body Heat earned rave reviews upon its release, with much praise singled out for Turner's bold performance. Roger Ebert wrote in his review that "Turner seems to be well cast as a 40s femme fatale, with her bright red lips and tropical suits and strategically displayed bustline."
The role catapulted the relative unknown to instant stardom. She followed up the steamy thriller with a series of acclaimed performances in films like The Man with Two Brains, Romancing the Stone, and Prizzi's Honor.
Body Heat not only launched Turner's career, but also changed the course of Hollywood sexuality depicted on screen. Along with films like 9 1/2 Weeks, it pushed the boundaries of how explicit American movies could be.
Turner herself has commented on how daring Body Heat felt at the time. "I remember thinking, 'Wow, this is pretty extreme.' And thinking also that it was rather hot," she remarked in one interview.
Cementing Her Status as a Sex Symbol
Hot was precisely the word to describe Turner after Body Heat's release. Overnight, she became one of the biggest sex symbols in Hollywood. And while she proved herself a talented actress, that initial bombshell role would forever link her with raw sex appeal.
Turner's unique sensuality stemmed from a combination of her smoky voice, cat-like green eyes, voluptuous figure and willingness to bare all on camera. And even as she aged, her sex symbol status remained. She continued playing seductive roles well into the 2000s.
Influencing Future Femme Fatales
Matty Walker can be seen as ushering in a wave of dangerous blonde femme fatales that dominated 80s and 90s thrillers. Films like Basic Instinct, The Last Seduction and To Die For all featured magnetic leading ladies weaponizing their sexuality.
Turner's fantastic portrayal of Matty made her the quintessential noir film goddess. Her character embodied female empowerment, using her wiles to gain the upper hand over hapless men. Matty became an archetype of the strong, scheming temptress that many actresses would later emulate.
Turner's Lasting Pop Culture Impact
It's impossible to deny the immense influence Body Heat had not just on Turner's career but on pop culture at large. The film's smoking hot love scenes raised the bar for cinematic depictions of sexuality. And Turner's star-making performance spawned a generation of copycats hoping to replicate her raw, incendiary energy.
But ultimately, no other actress could capture that perfect storm of sex and danger like Turner did as Matty. Images of her lounging by the pool or locked in a passionate embrace remain indelible in the minds of movie fans. Even with decades passed, Turner in Body Heat stands as an iconic embodiment of Hollywood sex appeal.
At the age of 66, Turner remains an enduring star with one of the most memorable film debuts ever. Though she continued on to a diverse acting career, her meteoric rise as a sex symbol in Body Heat will always be the role that defined her. She took femme fatale sexuality to provocative new heights and achieved instant icon status along the way.
FAQs
What was Kathleen Turner's breakout role?
Kathleen Turner's breakout role was as Matty Walker in the 1981 film Body Heat. She played a sultry femme fatale who seduces William Hurt's character into killing her husband.
Why was Body Heat considered so steamy?
Body Heat featured very racy love scenes for the time period, including a scene where Kathleen Turner appears topless. The palpable on-screen chemistry between Turner and William Hurt also contributed to the film's steamy atmosphere.
How did Body Heat change Turner's career?
After Body Heat, Turner became an instant A-list star and sex symbol. The role established her as a talented actress with raw sensuality that she would become known for.
What outfits did Turner wear in Body Heat?
Turner wore slinky pencil skirts, robes, and cleavage-baring dresses in Body Heat. One standout was a plunging white dress that highlighted her curves and sex appeal.
Did Turner do other steamy roles after Body Heat?
Yes, Turner was frequently cast in other sexy roles after her breakout in Body Heat. She often played charming but dangerous femme fatales who used their sexuality as a weapon.
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