DarkEnchantment

I went to see it - '50 Shades of Grey' - the other week, along with my girl; primarily because we were at a bit of a loose end on a wet evening, and were too knackered to do anything - else........

Now I have to admit that I hated the book; got around half way through it, and with all that 'his trousers hanging from his hips' (I assume that means he hasn't got a beer belly......?) and the general 'Good looking, hot bodied young billionaire gets the good looking girl' crap (I mean, its never happened to me yet, anyway.......I mean, it doesn't in real life, does it?! ), I ended up slinging it across the room half way through, frightening the dog in the process.

I'd also heard very mixed reviews of the film; apparently even the director wasn't happy with it. So I went along half anticipating an early exit, somewhere after the popcorn ran out, shaking my head in disgust.

But it didn't happen. Its actually a good film. I damn well enjoyed it and I'd go see it again. I've bought the soundtrack, which is lovely; and I'm likely to buy the dvd when it comes out.

If you go along expecting hardcore porn, stacks of naked flesh (with or without anything hanging from the hips....), or hardline bdsm play, you will be disappointed. And of course, its still about a good looking, hot bodied young billionaire, damn him, getting the girl; well, mostly........but its also well and artistically filmed, there's a good soundtrack which I thought fitted well, and perfectly good acting. And it turns out on the screen as a much better story than appears in the book. Same story, yes; but the translation from page to celluloid - or whatever its on these days - eases  away many of the irritating rough edges of deive prose in the book, and allows you to make your own decisions about what you're seeing and what's going on, particularly in the psychology of interaction between the two stars. What I saw was two sensitive and damaged young people falling in love, and struggling with how to express it. The context of bdsm was relevant, and may become more so in the sequel - it was written as a trilogy, so I assume there will be sequels, and I hope there will be if they're as good as this. But it was in no way overpowering, it was in the main about sensual bdsm, and for most people watching the film, I would have thought they will see this aspect as only a part of the process of the developing relationship as a whole.

The final scene was, for me, the only negative aspect of an otherwise completely enjoyable film; it reminded me of the climax to '91/2 Weeks', another story of damaged people who could have been happy if they'd been able to communicate and compromise. I do think any Dominant with any sense wouldn't have fallen into the trap of what happens there; but hey, he's a young lad - even if a good looking, hot bodied young billionaire - did I mention that yet? He allowed an inexperienced sub to dictate to him, and got it wrong; and I suspect did that out of the powerful feeling she engenders in him - none of us Doms ever do things just because our pretty young subs want us to, do we?! That scene shows an error and painful results, and regrettably the audience is then left hanging, since we're waiting for the sequel. I suppose you could go out and buy the books; but I wouldn't. I do wonder if that one scene may leave those inexperienced in the scene with the lingering thought that it is about damaged people who are out to physically hurt others, and that its best to walk away. But that is my only criticism of what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable film. I think its one of the best films in the genre - if we actually have a genre, which I think doubtful - and provides a very interesting opportunity for discussion about the scene, and for anyone new to the scene in particular. If you've not seen it, I suggest you do and form your own opinion. I think you'll likely enjoy it.