During my commute last Tuesday, I overheard radio DJs announcing the lead actors in the film adaptation of E.L. James’ famed trilogy, “50 Shades of Grey.” The two leading actors, Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson will play part in (now) one of the most notorious “love” stories to date.
For those of you unfamiliar with the plot, it features a young woman named Anastasia “Ana” Steele who falls for the elusive Christian Grey. Though handsome and mysterious, Grey harbors a dark secret from Steele when they first meet; he is secretly and seriously into S&M sexual behaviors.
This shocks the virginal Steele and, at first, keeps her from letting Steele dominate her. Later in the book though, they begin a long term sexual relationship built solely around Grey’s obsession with dominating Steele in the bedroom.
The following two books are about the same type of behavior: whether or not Grey will ever become something more than just a sex fiend towards Steele, whether or not Steele will stand up for herself, and exactly how far Steele will go for this man.
Yes, I am embarrassed to admit that I have read the trilogy. It was last summer and I was only 20 years old! Though the English major in me knew that the novels were garbage, I had to see how far Steele and Grey would go (would he ever consider Steele his girlfriend?). I was disappointed though, as the trilogy ended exactly as I had expected: in a shamefully corny way.
It’s been almost a year since I’ve picked up the novels and to tell you the truth I had forgotten about them. If I recall, it was the summer of 2012 that James’ story really became a sensation. It’s been over a year and now, here we are again, deciding whether or not the minds behind the film adaptation picked the right actors for the lead roles and if the film will be rated “R” or “NC-17.
According to ibtimes.com, the “NC-17” rating is the kiss of death in the film world, but the filmmakers of “50 Shades of Grey” are trying hard for an “R” rating. The debate between “R” and “NC-17” depends on how much sex is shown on film. The whole series is devoted to S&M behavior, bondage, and general sexuality. Having read the novels, the behind the scenes cast of “50 Shades of Grey” will definitely have a difficult time keeping the film appropriate. Although, there is a reason I am not a movie producer, nor a director.
The first movie will be the “make or break” for the trilogy. If the audience likes what Hunnam and Johnson have to offer in the roles of the notorious duo, then I predict a huge following. I am definitely interested in the film due to the fine line the movie crew has to be aware of. If they push it, the film could crash and burn.
When it finally debuts in 2014, it will change film forever. It will prove that transforming a novel of dark fantasies with dark and disturbing characters can be brought to life. It will change the sex industry. Machines, toys, chains, and other S&M tools will be seen in more than just porn or sketchy truck stops.
I hate to admit it, but James’ knew what she was doing. Sex sells, especially bondage and out of this world fantasies that are hushed in real life. “50 Shades of Grey” is definitely “mommy porn,” but hey, you go James. Work it girl.
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