The film adaptation of the novel by a novice writer who managed to conquer readers all over the world was no less discussed than the release of the original publication in 2011. During this time, “50 Shades” acquired several fan clubs and thousands of fans of a new literary and erotic trend. The release of the film of the same name was discussed for three years. What can accurately determine the success or failure of “50 shades of gray”? Reviews! The film took advantage of the negative opinions of the audience. According to the Rotten Tomatoes portal, only 25% of respondents voted positive. The rest found that the film was not commendable. And now, when the official premiere took place in 2015, which gathered a fabulous box office, you can talk more about him. “50 shades of gray” (film), audience reviews and reasons for success are the focus of this article.
In the beginning there was a book
The story of a quick take-off is truly fantastic. The British writer Erica Leonard Mitchell (pseudonym - E.L. James) did not even think what her manuscript would lead to regarding the relationship between a young girl and a man older than her by several years. Originally it was a fan fiction - an amateurish continuation of the story of Bella and Edward, taken from Twilight. The popularity of the story, bearing an erotic connotation, was so great that the author decided to transfer the action to an independent work, changing some details. As a result, “50 shades of gray” were born. Critics' reviews, containing mostly neutral assessments, could not “deceive" the public. The novel broke up in a matter of months, ahead of the sales of “Harry Potter” and the same “Twilight”.
The book includes episodes of a sexual nature, and, according to analysts, perhaps this was the reason for the frenzied popularity. The first part was followed by a sequel. And after - the long-awaited film “50 shades of gray”. Cinema reviews received equally neutral. He equally found both fans and ill-wishers.
The film to be!
However, the initial opinions of critics did not in the least affect the very desire of film studios to film the novel. Moreover, a real war broke out between them. The largest corporations, including the production company of Mark Wahlberg, lost to Universal, teamed up with Focus. Author E.L. James tried to take control of the production, but she was refused. 47-year-old Englishwoman Sam Taylor-Johnson sat in the director’s chair, putting on the tape “Become John Lennon”. What prompted the writer to choose this person among eminent directors remains a mystery. But she firmly decided that only under her leadership “50 shades of gray” would be born. Cinema reviews from the first viewers who were honored to attend the closed premiere in Los Angeles received those that said this was a new word in erotic drama.
The story of the young as an adult guide
As many critics noted, the orientation of the picture is so delicate and unusual that it can cause a storm of different impressions. As a result, “50 shades of gray” (2015) became one of the richest discussions of films. Reviews were inclined to the fact that the film adaptation is not of particular interest. A more saturated and adequate idea of sexual fantasies, nicknamed “shades” in the picture, can be found in the original book. The public was afraid that the film would become a provocation of sexual openness, a love of dominance and submission, known as BDSM. At the same time, marketers cite data according to which, with the release of the picture, the sale of appropriate accessories “for adults” has increased.
This will likely lead to a lack of a certain perception of “50 shades of gray.” The audience’s reviews will agree for a long time on the influence of the picture on the person and society as a whole. In the meantime, they define the film as “soft boring porn” and “dizzying sexual western”.
Book = movie?
The success of each film can be judged by several components. The movie “50 Shades of Gray” considered in this article was no exception. The reviews of those who first read and then watched the film speak of the maximum transfer of the plot from the book story to the on-screen action, including a number of trifles present in the novel.
The story is built around the student of the literary faculty Anastacia, who, at the request of her friend, goes to Gray Corporation to interview her billionaire founder. But their communication is not limited to this. Christian is eager to get to know the girl better, for which he goes to the hardware store where she works. Gray invites her to a date, and then reveals the main secret: he is far from romantic and prefers more severe forms of manifestation of love ...
“50 shades of gray”: plot
Most of the reviews of the viewers agree that the film has almost disappeared from the pages of the book. Following the material, despite the visual perception of the beautiful picture and the actors in the frame, led to the fact that as a picture “50 shades” did not bring something of their own. Any plot move is somehow connected with the source. This, in turn, robs the film of personality. On the other hand, a similar task was not set for the creators.
Long wait
Fans of the history of Anastacia and Christian have been waiting for the film adaptation for more than three years. During this period, careful preparation was underway: the script was approved, the actors were selected. The main shootings started at the end of 2013 and ended in the spring of next year. The group needed additional filming with the participation of leading actors, which took place in the fall of 2014. In anticipation of the release, the film company released several trailers that attracted spectator attention, and also sent Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan to a series of television shows.
Components of success
All this speaks of the great hopes that the producers pinned on the film. Of course, this should have been appreciated by the audience. What else could be said about the success of the movie “50 shades of gray”? The reviews undoubtedly concerned the musical part.
The soundtrack was unanimously recognized as successful, because it included many diverse and at the same time united by a single mood compositions. Ellie Golding’s single “Love Me Like You Do” has been named a powerful contribution to “50 Shades of Gray.” Critics' reviews, for example, Samantha Grossman from the Times magazine, determined him strong and passionate, creating a powerful sensual support for the entire film. Among the other performers was Beyoncé, who specially made a new arrangement of her famous song “Crazy in love”, as well as The Rolling Stones, Sia, Annie Lennox and other musicians.
“50 shades of gray”: reviews
Actors and characters - this is what is usually discussed in reviews most actively. Preparing such a large-scale project, Universal was looking for leading actors among those who really could make the film memorable, leave a bright mark on the game and ultimately contribute to box office success. E.L. James personally participated in the selection of actors. And if the producers immediately decided on Anastacia’s image, the search for the main screen macho was delayed. Among the applicants were considered Ryan Gosling, Theo James, Charlie Hunnam, Scott Eastwood. As a result, the writer preferred Jamie Dornan. Handsome began his career with the historical “Marie Antoinette” and the fantasy series “Once Upon a Time”. Dakota, the daughter of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, was remembered for “Macho and Nerd” and “Social Network”.
As critics noted, Johnson made sincere attempts to play, unlike Dornan, who more “shot eyes.” The female part of the audience complained that Dakota often appears in the frame almost completely naked, while a pumped-up Dornan only exposes himself to the waist.
With the participation of actors in “50 Shades”, a story is connected that almost got the status of scandal. Producers bought the rights to the film adaptation of three parts of the book at once, setting the corresponding condition for the main actors. Agreeing to the first part, neither Dornan nor Johnson could not predict what kind of excitement the film would cause. Their fee was 250 thousand, and the proceeds of the painting are estimated at 600 million dollars. The amount for the continuation is already stated in the contract. However, given the wild popularity and success that Uviversal did not expect, the actors have the right to ask for an increase in royalties.
The release of the sequels under the names “50 shades darker” and “50 shades of freedom” is planned in 2017-2018.
BDSM: to be or not to be?
Almost the most burning question that critics asked was, of course, erotic scenes. Moreover, several, and very frank. Is their open use permissible, which can be understood as a call? Nevertheless, given the nature of the book, “50 shades of gray” could not do without passion and sensuality. Cinema received the most numerous reviews, and the opinions of the respondents boil down to the fact that sex becomes apparent when the heroes, in fact, have nothing to talk about. The main character deserves special mention: as if rushing into the pool with her head, she still does not know what to expect. Meanwhile, he agrees to all sorts of gifts from his boyfriend, somewhere far in consciousness, realizing that he will have to “pay” for it.
Sex or love?
This is the main intrigue of the film, no more and no less. It equally does not give rest to all the spectators, divided into two camps. What is able to accurately determine the relationship between Anastacia and Christian in “50 shades of gray”? Reviews! The film is in many ways called overly "sterile." Is this fair? Probably yes. Since with the large presence of sex between the characters there is no slightest sincerity.
The resulting two-finale of the picture will once again divorce men and women on different sides. The first will say that, they say, the older student herself decided to learn the world of unknown pleasures. The latter will become inclined to believe that nothing extravagant, an extravagant rich man does not need, and, of course, there can be no talk of “serious” relationships, love and a possible wedding. Probably the truth lies both here and here, and the writer only wanted to look at the problem from different points of view.
Feelings are for sale
It is corny, obvious and predictable that Anastacia, the most ordinary modest woman, will not be able to resist the charming look of a charming handsome man. He, having barely looked at her, realized that this would be quite suitable for sending to the entertainment room. To finally bribe a girl, Gray gives her presents, and these signs of attention should be regarded accordingly. Anastacia herself blushes at every opportunity, waiting for a new meeting and deliberately deliberating for a long time before signing the contract.
The subject of venality of feelings, no matter how rude it may sound, is openly disclosed in “50 shades of gray”. The responses of psychologists are reduced to the fact that the creators make it clear how any love, especially with the millionth state of Gray, is bought. Unfortunately, an additional incentive is provided by Anastacia's laptop and car, which experts believe have largely predetermined its decision.
Modern beautiful fairy tale
This story has been a revelation for many since the classic 9 ½ weeks and Obscene Proposals. Just as the audience’s voices, for the most part men, assured that the protagonist of the film “Pretty Woman” would never fall in love with a call girl, it is quite obvious here that none of the heroes is ready for true love. Moreover, for their attempts to find happiness in the arms of each other, attentive viewers will find absurdities. For example, having sorted out with alcohol, Anastacia, who recently wanted to say stupid things, reaches for Gray to give him kisses. He, a narcissistic egoist, connects all his passion for bondage with a difficult childhood, clearly saying that he does not want more in an affair.
Do such relationships really deserve to be considered a sincere story? Time passes, life changes. Obviously, the current generation does not choose flowers and going to the movies, but the desire to be suspended and connected ...