In 2011, the English writer E. L. James presented the novel “50 Shades of Gray” to the readers' court. The work caused a stir among fans of the genre, is it any wonder that the question arose about the film adaptation. Sam Taylor-Wood undertook to tell the story of the complex relationship of a wealthy entrepreneur and a college graduate. So, how did you shoot “50 shades of gray”?
Geography of filming
The creators of the blockbuster paid special attention to the atmosphere, which directly depended on the geography of the shootings. Therefore, it is important not only how they shot “50 shades of gray”, but where. The choice of the crew fell on Canadian Vancouver, this decision was made primarily due to suitable weather conditions. The coolness typical of the Canadian winter made it possible to add an element of sadness.
Initially, the creators of the picture did not plan to shoot in the winter. However, the deadlines were postponed for technical reasons, which I did not have to regret about. A cloudy sky above the heads of the heroes brought sad notes to the atmosphere. This is not to say that the key actors liked this decision, as Jamie and Dakota constantly suffered from the cold.
Also, the crew managed to work in two American settlements, which became Vancouver and Portland.
Substitution
How was 50 Shades of Gray shot? Many fans of James were dissatisfied with the geography of the shoot. In the novel, the action took place not in Vancouver, but in Seattle. Moreover, the famous Hitman Hotel has been replaced by Fairmont. The hardware store, in which student Anastacia Steel worked, was also found near Vancouver.
The role of Washington State University was played by another educational institution. The appearance of the University of British Columbia was slightly modified; this was done through drapery. In the scene of the graduation ceremony, of course, not real graduates played, but the crowd. Interestingly, the episodes in the house of Gray's parents were filmed in separate houses, which are at a decent distance from each other.
Design team
How was 50 Shades of Gray shot? It should be noted brilliant work of the design team. The budget of the picture was only $ 40 million, this was not enough to create the atmosphere of the breathtaking luxury in which Gray lives. The penthouse of a wealthy businessman was to resemble a museum rather than a living room.
As a result, the interior of the businessman’s monastery made a lasting impression on the audience. Designers combined natural stone with laconic metal structures. Preference was given to furniture with minimalist forms, which was adjacent to solid wood products. The decoration for the walls was avant-garde paintings. Designers managed to create a simple and sophisticated interior that emphasized the versatility of the character of the key character. Christian Gray is a successful person endowed with impeccable taste, but there are also notes of brutality in him.
Director, cameraman
One cannot but mention the man, thanks to whom the audience could enjoy the picture “50 shades of gray”. The film was shot by Sam Taylor Johnson, who owes her fame to this particular tape. Colleagues speak of this woman as a collected and energetic lady, emphasize her ability to avoid nervousness at the work site.
The popularity of the novel led to the fact that the performers of key roles were constantly under pressure. At first, Jamie and Dakota were very nervous, because they were afraid not to justify the trust of fans of the work. It was the director who helped the actors concentrate on their characters.
How did you make the film “50 shades of gray”? The role of the operator is also important, so you can not help but mention him. This mission was entrusted to Shaymasa McGarvey, with whom the director had previously collaborated. Shaymas and Sam perfectly understood each other, from time to time even communicated in sign language.
How they shot 50 shades of gray: scenes
As often happens, the work on the episodes was not at all in the order in which the audience saw them. The director made sure that the emotions that the actors express coincided with what information the characters currently have. Interestingly, erotic scenes, which became the subject of heated debate of the audience, were shot last. This work has been delayed for the past two weeks.
What is the question most often taken by fans of the blockbuster “50 Shades of Gray”? How scenes of an erotic nature were filmed is a moment that interests many. Actors said that this work was more like choreography. The performer of the role of Christian had to master the science of knotting. Dakota often had to stay naked and tied, she was grateful to Jamie for being the first to bring her a blanket.
The above describes how they shot the film “50 shades of gray.” The film received mixed reviews from viewers and critics, but its commercial success is beyond doubt. At the global box office, the tape earned over $ 500 million.