Maybe I’m biased because I’m an author but I don’t understand the negative backlash on the Fifty Shades of Grey movie. I found it entertaining. In fact, there are five things that I really liked about it.
1. Actor Jamie Dornan did a great job portraying the complex character that is Christian Grey. I remember when the hunt was on for the male lead. Charlie Hunnam was initially cast as Grey. He dropped out shortly thereafter. Then and now, I still think it was the best thing he could have ever done. He was not a match (physically or otherwise) to the character, in my humble opinion. But Dornan “hit the nail right on the head.”
2. While critics of the story, such as Cassie Fambro in her column, believe that the story fails to address the abuse Grey suffered as a child, I think the producers handled it pretty well. Since details have to be shown and not told on the big screen, they did a good job showing his struggles through a) his refusal to let Anna (played by Dakota Johnson) touch him, b) his need to control everything down to how much alcohol she consumed and c) his inability to leave her alone. Clearly, any man with that much money could have found someone more cooperative but his desire to pursue Anna throughout the story showed that he needed her understanding and love.
3. Contrary to the onslaught of articles about the story's link to rape, there is NO rape in this movie. Let me repeat: THERE IS NO RAPE IN THIS MOVIE. Even in the scene where Grey appears at her place unannounced, after she sends him an email saying “nice knowing you,” he showed up with champagne and glasses to seduce her. AND SHE WENT FOR IT.
4. I love complex characters and Grey gives me that in spades. I have long said that being an author is a lesson in psychology. To me, this story does a good job of weaving the intricate issues that some of us endure and how they can materialize in adulthood.
5. Another issue people have expressed concerns about is the domestic abuse angle. As someone who has seen the movie, I can tell you there is none in the movie. Period. As a matter of fact, when the line gets crossed, Anna addresses it. I would say how but I’m trying not to give too much of the movie away for people who haven’t seen it.
While there are major differences between the book and the film, I really liked the movie. I think E.L James, the actors and Focus Pictures did a good job. Can’t wait for the next installment in 2016!