Gareth von Kallenbach (974 KP) rated Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
So it wasn’t too much of a surprise for me when I learned the book started out as Twilight fan fiction. The hero and heroine were clearly patterned after Bella and Edward. So whenever someone asked me what the book was about, I would tell them, “It’s an awfully written Twilight with a lot of sex and some bondage and spanking. “ That being said, I’m hardly a book snob. I’ll read just about anything, and while I may complain the whole time, I’ll finish the series if one exists. But even casual readers should be able to recognize badly written fiction when it smacks them in the face like Fifty Shades of Grey.
When I heard they were making a movie, I figured it would be a Rated R or NC-17 version Twilight. I played the game along with other millions of women on who should be the leads. I picked Anna Kendrick and Ian Somerhalder. I wasn’t too disappointed with the actual picks (I think that required actually caring), but the trailers did not endear Dakota Johnson to me at all. On the way to the screener, I joked with my husband, Gareth, that I expected to see Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan doing a lot of gasping or scowling with mouth agape since that seemed to be their go-to reactions in the book. (James is fond of writing about jaw-drops and sharp intakes of breath in her books).
I had to make him promise to refrain from making Mystery Science Theater 3000 commentary during the movie, but within the first 5 minutes he recognized some landmarks and leaned over to ask “Wait. She went to WSU?” When I nodded, Gareth, a proud UW Husky, leaned back, shook his head and muttered, “Already disappointed.” We both actually enjoyed seeing the Seattle backdrop, all shiny and urbane, at least in Grey’s world. I thought Gareth was talking about the ridiculousness of Christian Grey’s wealth when he whispered, “This movie is so full of it.” I raised my eyebrows at him and he said, “You know you can’t find parking that easily in Seattle.”
Being familiar with the books, I knew what to expect and for the most part, director Sam Taylor-Johnson, greatly improved on weak source material. Dakota Johnson was a pleasant surprise, making Anastasia smart, witty and much more relatable than the book Ana. Jamie Dornan was very easy to look at. Listening to? Not so much. It’s been reported that E. L. James’ insisted the dialogue from her books remain unchanged. One wonders if she also insisted Dornan deliver his parts as if he were reading her book. Reluctantly and under great duress.
Fans of the books will notice a few changes, and of course it won’t be as graphic as the book, but there are at least 25 minutes of steamy scenes. All in all, this may be one of those rare times the movie is better than the book. Like the books, now that I’m invested, I will watch the next two in the trilogy. Mainly thanks to Dakota Johnson. If nothing else, I have to give Fifty Shades of Grey credit for inspiring passion – in debates about abusive relationships, true BDSM and the age-old bad boy vs. good men attraction. I don’t think I’ve engaged in this many debates with friends and coworkers about a non-sci-fi movie before. It could very well inspire all kinds of other passion for those who give in and escort their significant other to this movie this weekend. But hopefully, unlike the leads in the movie, those inspired will reach a satisfying finish rather than a stylized fade-out to the morning after.
Civic Ground: Rhythmic Spatiality and the Communicative Movement Between Architecture, Sculpture and Site
Book
In Civic Ground, Patrick Lynch traces the philosophical background to the work of his practice,...
Autobiographies III: Rose and Crown & Sunset and Evening Star: III
Book
"I thought that no man liveth and dieth to himself, so I put behind what I thought and what I did...
Exploring Ikebana
Book
The word Ikebana rings a bell for most, but not many people can define it or grasp its essence....
Super Crafty: Over 75 Amazing How-to Projects
Book
The crafts scene is thriving as people embrace hobbies in order to create something beautiful,...
Anti-Inflammatory Eating Made Easy: 75 Recipes and Nutrition Plan
Book
This is an easy-to-follow nutrition plan and cookbook from a expert in nutrition. Inflammation is a...
Diet SOS: Life Changing Tips for Long-term Weight Loss Success
Book
At her heaviest, Lisa Fitzpatrick was a size 20, and weighed 15 stone. She was unhappy, but hid her...
The Improv Book: Improvisation for Theatre, Comedy, Education and Life
Book
The Improv Book is a smart, witty and accessible manual guiding you through the rewarding and joyful...
The Guide to Financial Management
Book
Managers are constantly expected to make decisions fully understanding the financial consequence. In...
Why I Love My Mum: The Perfect Mother's Day Gift for 2017!
Book
A book of illustrations with universal appeal about the love between a kid and their mother - funny,...