Synopsis

Tom Sanders, a senior executive at a Seattle technology company, expects a promotion after his former girlfriend returns to the firm. When she makes an unwanted sexual advance and then accuses him of harassment, Tom finds himself trapped in a corporate power struggle. As a merger threatens his career, he must prove the truth while uncovering a dangerous secret inside the company.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film adapts Michael Crichton's novel, which was published in 1994. Crichton sold the movie rights for $1 million before the book appeared in print.

• Milos Forman was initially attached to direct but departed after creative differences with Crichton. Alan J. Pakula was also considered before the project moved forward with Barry Levinson.

• Annette Bening was originally set to play Meredith Johnson, but withdrew after becoming pregnant. Geena Davis and Michelle Pfeiffer were subsequently considered before Demi Moore took the role.

• Industrial Light & Magic created the computer-generated imagery and animation for the virtual-reality sequences, including the film's digitally rendered corridor.

• Michael Crichton created the character Mark Lewyn specifically with Dennis Miller in mind. The screenplay altered the character to accommodate Miller's comic persona.

• The production made notable use of Seattle locations and technology imagery, reflecting the city's growing reputation as a center of software and computer businesses in the 1990s.

• The film became a commercial success, earning more than $200 million worldwide against a budget reported at roughly $50 million.