WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD
Based on the highly notorious novel by E.L. James, the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey was released this past Friday on February 13th. If you’ve been living under a rock and are not familiar with the story line, the film revolves around a meek college graduate, Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson, and a handsome billionaire Christian Grey, played by Jamie Dornan, who practices BDSM, otherwise known as S&M, in this sex life.
My thoughts:
Cast: Every girl has gone through the conversation of who should play the notable Christian Grey. I personally think that Henry Cavill, Ian Somerhalder, or Matt Bomer should have been casted, but I understand that casting A or B-list actors could be costly. Jamie Dornan played the role decently, but what he lacked was that sense of intimidation that Mr. Grey has; Jamie looked like he could’ve possibly been one of Anastasia’s fellow graduates. As for Anastasia, I thought Alexis Biedel would have been a better fit. Are you with me on this?
Screenplay: FLAT. OUT. CORNY. Anastasia literally repeated everything in her painfully monotone voice, “On this table? Right now? Do you want me to bite my lip Christian?” The highlight of her character was when she asked if Christian’s “playroom” was where he kept his Xbox. And not to mention when Ana tells Christian she’s a virgin and he grabs her face saying, “Where have you been all my life?” then Ana responds, “Waiting for you.” How in the world did this line get past the director?
Christian “CRAY”: As someone who did not read the books, I honestly LOST IT when Anastasia is sitting on the bed eating a piece of toast and then Christian hops on the bed, takes a bite of the toast, then creepily lurks away.
Comparison to Twilight: Watching the movie, I found many similarities to Twilight, with a friend-zoned guy liking a plain-Jane mousy girl who falls for and feels completed by the dark and brooding guy who is “too complicated” for anyone to love them. Turns out, E.L. James originally wrote Fifty Shades as a fan-fiction to Twilight!
Cinematography: The one good thing I do have to say about the movie was that it was well lit and filmed. The movie looked aesthetically crisp and fresh with the set of Grey Enterprises and Christian’s apartment.
Overall, I’d rate the movie a 6/10 only for the cinematography and given the film’s cheesy screenplay and mediocre acting. Even though the film has been poorly rated, across many platforms, people love to hate and that alone will fund more movies. Fifty Shades of Grey will most likely continue to a second and third movie, as the trilogy is a pop culture icon. What did you think of the movie?