By Kiara Catanzaro
Associate Editor
Fifty Shades of Grey opened on Valentine’s Day weekend with $85.2 million in the box office. Based on the “Twilight”-inspired book written in 2011 by E. L. James, this story follows two different characters and their similar attractions for each other.
Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) is a soon-to-be college graduate who is sent to interview 27-year-old billionaire entrepreneur Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) in Seattle in place of her sick roommate.
Johnson plays the innocent role well with her plain-Jane look, while Dornan doesn’t quite encapsulate the American-billionaire vibe. The modern interpretation of an American billionaire is Leonardo DiCaprio in his role as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby. During the 10-minute interview, Steele manages to attract Grey by biting a pencil and her lip (sexy, right?). At the end of the short conversation, Grey has a fascination for Steele’s passive, innocent personality, while Steele is smitten by Grey’s confidence. Needless to say, the two couldn’t be more dissimilar. But, opposites attract, which is what happens for these two characters.
After Steele encounters some “spontaneous” appearances with Grey, he asks her out for coffee, where Grey first insinuates his control exists in both the business world and the bedroom. Steele was unaware of what his erotic tastes includes, which is when Grey realizes that Steele is not into his preferences. He quickly says he’s not the right guy for her and she needs to find someone else.
The inspiration from “Twilight” is apparent within the book and movie; however, Grey wasn’t depicted to be a complete stalker like “Twilight” character Edward Cullen.
Grey doesn’t stay away for long. After he realizes his desire for Steele, he turns on his charm flaunts his money. He buys Steele a new car, new clothes and takes her out for a (casual) ride in his helicopter. Steele falls for him and things take a steamy turn.
The next part of the movie can best be explained through lyrics from Rihanna’s “S&M,” “chains and whips excite me.” However, once Steele is welcomed in Grey’s world of bondage and whips, there’s no turning back. She wants a relationship, and Grey isn’t about hearts and flowers, but the couple compromises with a written contract. This lists what can and can’t be done in Grey’s playroom in addition to other terms about their “relationship” (if that’s what we’re calling it).
One of the best aspects of the movie was the soundtrack. The best song is Beyonce’s version of “Crazy in Love.” This slow-paced, sensual version of the original was fitting for the movie. Other highlights include “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding, “Earned It” by The Weekend and “Salted Wound” by Sia. The mix of music within the soundtrack made the movie enjoyable.
Toward the end of the movie, Steele still can’t understand Grey’s desire for control and Grey can’t understand Steele’s desire for a relationship. Unfortunately, they realize that they can’t give what the other person is looking for. Steele decides that it’s best if she cuts off their relationship altogether. After muttering each other’s names, she leaves his apartment via his elevator before the credits appear on screen.
Despite the negative reviews and unpromising predictions of the movie, it wasn’t as terrible as critics made it out to be. It follows the storyline of the book and features great musical talent.
catanzka12@bonaventure.edu
