Review of Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) by Foxgrove — 13 Feb 2015

Arriving as a target to face a probable onslaught of negative reviews from cynical and jaded critics, I decided to view this media juggernaut before passing judgement myself. Not having read the book, and having absolutely no desire to do so, I was still curious as to what the story was aside from containing the odd kinky sex scene. The good news is that whilst it may be a bit of fluff, it’s slick and oddly intriguing fluff that contains two impressive performances, top notch production values and beautiful music that perfectly underscores the drama.

The aforementioned sexual content has had critics using the words ‘bland’ and ‘vanilla’ whereas, in fact, for a mainstream commercial film these scenes are actually quite strong. They have been very well integrated into the story and first rate choreography and editing have maximised their effect. Let’s face it this is fluff, not porn, and so this was never going to be ‘Deep Throat’ or ‘Debbie Does Dallas’ and I for one am extremely thankful for it. Also, strangely for a film that is aimed primarily at women, as I’m sure the book was, it has the potential to also alienate many of that gender. I’m sure not all women will be appreciative of Christian Grey’s very singular sexual proclivities.

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson have great chemistry together and Johnson in particular is an actress to watch. Dornan certainly looks the part, but his performance is is better in the TV series ‘The Fall’. It’s also good to see Jennifer Ehle and Marcia Gay Harden in support, albeit in thankless mother roles. Still, this is undoubtedly Johnson and Dornan’s dance and the two leads make the material work.

The film also benefits by not taking itself too seriously. Dornan, in particular, seems to be playing Grey with his tongue very firmly in his cheek. One scene in which the two characters partake of a formal Business meeting is very amusingly played out. On the other hand an early bar scene showing a drunk Johnson being rescued by Grey represents the film at its worst.

If the film ultimately outstays its welcome it nevertheless has exceeded expectations. It may not be highbrow entertainment, but it’s certainly not torture.