Share and Follow
Before the ending of “Fatal Attraction” was changed, Glenn Close famously put a lot of work into researching mental health. In the original ending, Alex dies by suicide and frames Dan for her murder. The theatrical conclusion is much different, with almost no consideration for her mental state. Now, the Paramount+ show doesn’t specifically name what she is dealing with, but Alexandra Cunningham modeled Alex’s symptoms after Cluster B personality disorders. According to the DSM-V, these illnesses include antisocial and histrionic personality disorders among others. But blaming her behavior on mental illness alone would be an oversimplification. Cunningham continued to explain that stress in the real world is also a determining factor.
“If Cluster B personality disorders have a genetic component, a neurological pathway that’s present in you, that can be affected by the way you’re treated and what you’re told about yourself and who that makes you think you are. We showed that’s present in Alex’s life, that her parents, for better or worse, are also struggling,” Cunningham noted. With an absent mother and an emotionally abusive father, Alex has a big hill to climb. She was not only abandoned by her mother but has a father who essentially tells Alex she deserves it. This would cause anyone to experience insecurity. And while this doesn’t excuse her behavior, these details contextualize Alex and make her a fully formed character.
Read Related Also: John B’s Mother Is Carla Limbrey
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
