A romance reader's take on 'Fifty Shades' movie: Soft on BDSM, hard on romance
By now you're probably familiar with the global sensation that is the BDSM love story Fifty Shades of Grey. You're also likely to be aware of its enticing premise. A virginal college student named Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson, finds herself drawn to Christian Grey, an intensely seductive billionaire played by Jamie Dornan. The twist in this tale of budding romance is that Christian is incapable of forming real connections with women. Abused as a child and lured into an inappropriate sexual relationship as a teen, he invests solely in BDSM partnerships. For a story with such dark undertones, E.L. James' novel (though ridiculously enjoyable for many) can at times be clunky and unintentionally comical.
The highly anticipated film adaptation offers a fresh and fun take on the bestseller but alas is bound (first and last pun, I promise) by convention.
Early on, it becomes clear that the more tedious elements of the book have been cast aside. The audience is spared Anastasia referring to her "inner goddess" a mind-numbingly frustrating 57 times (thank you, Kindle search function) and given a heroine with more agency. One who defiantly says "no" to a man who's used to "getting his way" and does so in a manner that's amusing and refreshingly playful. It's in these moments that it becomes clear just how perfectly cast Johnson is — bringing a relatable edge to Anastasia's awkward shyness.
Dornan thrives in that he matches her ability to bring an element of self-referential humor to the story — though most of the credit for this goes to screenwriter Kelly Marcel. The film's ability to poke fun at its own absurdity is its prime strength. Audiences will likely find Christian's uneven temperament frustrating to keep up with … so does Anastasia, who mocks his intense ups and downs. When Christian purchases zip ties, rope and duct tape, she notes that it's the "complete serial killer" package.
Its light-heartedness plays out flawlessly in a scene that could have easily faltered but ends up being the film's best. After Christian presents her with a contract outlining what is expected of her, the two sit down to negotiate the agreement as their passion and aggression boil to the surface.
Fifty Shades falters in that Anastasia and Christian's sexual encounters are uninspired and, at times, generic. The Dominant/submissive relationship Christian introduces Anastasia to is vividly drawn in the book. In the movie, their routine is barely established — save one exception. When Anastasia first agrees to submit to Christian in the Red Room, viewers are treated to a montage in which the clanking of chains and the whip of a riding crop are accompanied by a breathy re-imagining of Beyonce's Crazy in Love video. But later, when Anastasia's blindfolded and lashed in slow motion, the moment is more of a snooze.
The tameness of the film has already been defended based on the fact that it's difficult to shock in a sex-saturated industry. That justification only goes so far when you consider that most TV shows, which are working with tougher restrictions, have had steamier sequences. Just recall Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer's graveyard kiss and subsequent love scenes on True Blood or when Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys do pretty much anything on The Americans. It's saying a lot when an adaptation of a book that's all about sex isn't half as erotic as late-night cable viewing.
Even the early elevator encounter between Christian and Anastasia (a piping-hot moment in the book) feels lackluster and too swift. In fact, most of the pair's sensual exchanges seem brief and unfulfilling.
Much of this lies with Sam Taylor-Johnson's decision to make a traditional romance flick rather than chart new territory. Christian's sweeping gestures play out in a grandiose fashion along with lighting and sets that paint a rosier picture than the premise puts forth. This means that by the time Anastasia confronts Christian about his troubled past and inability to connect with women on an emotional level — the tension feels forced and the conclusion rushed.
That said, the film is engaging enough to ensure that it's already green-lit sequels will attract hordes of fans aching for a follow-up.
As a book, film and pop culture journalist, Justine Browning, an on-camera reporter and red-carpet host, has interviewed celebrities such as Steve Carell and Meryl Streep. She's also an avid reader of romance novels. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter (@JusBrowning).