The 4th Man (1983)
Obviously a precursor to Basic Instinct, but much more dreamy, surreal and it reminded me somewhat of Lost Highway. The film is loaded with religious and sexual symbolism, and given the original writer being a homosexual Catholic, Verhoeven really let that shine through. In an almost exaggerated manner, and he says on the DVD commentary that they intentionally added many layers of symbolism to appease the critics - and it worked out. As usual, Verhoeven can take several positions at once, as he both has clear intent and meaning behind his choices for the film, but also not shy of mocking critics and viewers alike. The film itself lives in that mixed reality, where it is not clear cut exactly what is going on.
Rating: 4