Movie Review - Fifty Shades of Grey
Fifty Shades of Grey, based on the best selling novel by E. L. James, introduces us to the intense and emotional relationship of Christian Grey, played by Jamie Dorian, and Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson. While this relationship, with its base in the very taboo practice of BDSM, begins to develop it adds layer after layer of complexity, each introducing us to a deeper understanding of our protagonist and antagonist alike, with the only real commitment to their relationship coming in the seconds leading up to the films close. With great cinematography, an absolutely impressive soundtrack, and direction that begs you to continue watching, wondering how far their relationship will go.
The film opens with a slow tempo'd, very bluesy, cover of I Put A Spell On You, by singer-songwriter Annie Lennox. We watch as several short scenes play out, Annie, singing over each one reminds us what we're in for, as each of our leads, Christian, a self made billionaire, and Anastasia, a dreamy writer getting ready to graduate, goes about their routine day. A chance encounter brings the two of them together, their two worlds so distant from one another, that the speed in which they would have to travel in order to be brought together, was bound to leave a lasting impression on the other, and before long we realize that we may have just witnessed the last routine day, either will ever have.
These impressions are played out through many of the initial interactions, Anastasia often left speechless, enamored by the world she was entering, and Christian often choosing not to speak out of reservations of inviting her into this world. These interactions often leave us with many moments where body language alone provides the narrative of the story. As their relationship develops further, we get the sense that this torrid affair is capable of bursting at any moment, each moment heightening the stakes involved, leaving us helpless to follow the moment from one to the next, for fear that we might miss the outcome. As each scene unfolds, our ears our equally treated to the same generosity, that our mind has been carefully navigating through, with several notable songs, playing over several notable moments. Songs like Earned It, by The Weeknd, and Beyonce's amazing remix of her own song Crazy in Love, not only set the mood, but give us that extra bit of edge, allowing the film to really take root in our hearts and minds.
As the film nears it end, each moment that the pair spend apart tell one story, while every moment that they spend together tells us a different story entirely. In the moments leading up to the end, the elevator doors opening, the two venture to the furthest in their relationship they've ever been, one final commitment, each calling out the others name, as the elevator doors close, and the scene fades to black.
This immaculate and emotional trip through what is Fifty Shades of Grey cannot be described as anything but a masterpiece. I've never read the book myself, so I cannot speak to whether or not justice is done there, but in terms of film, it is a commanding 4.7 out of 5. While I would hope that you would share my view, I must warn you, in the links below both the IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes have this film rated very underwhelmingly. Also, it is a very risqué film, so viewer beware.
Have you seen Fifty Shades of Grey? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Also, one of the films accompanying songs, and a cover of another, can be heard here (unfortunately Beyonce's version cannot be found on Spotify):
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