I read the 50 Shades of Grey book pretty much as soon as it came out and I have finally gotten around to watching the movie.
I must say the movie was not at all what I was expecting. Whilst the term thought provoking may be a stretch, it did make me think.
Some women’s rights groups are opposed to this movie as it is derogatory to women and portrays an abusive relationship. I disagree with that as a dom/sub relationship is consenting.
The difference between a sub and someone is abused is not only consent, but the fact that the sub enjoys them dynamic.
After watching the movie, I sort of see where they are coming from, and how, if they haven’t read the book, this could be misinterpreted.
The book is written from Ana’s point of view, and throughout we have the voice of Ana’s “Inner Goddess”.
Now when reading the book, this inner voice drove me mad, however, when watching the movie, I understood its importance. This inner voice described Ana’s feelings. It let the reader know that she was enjoying being dominated. Without this narrative, the movie lacks the feel of enjoyment on her part.
For all she has been seen to consent, the movie gave me the impression she was just going along with what Christian wanted because she was afraid to lose him. In the book, it came across as her being treated like a princess, in the movie it came across as her being treated like a cheap sex toy at times.
*Spoiler Alert*
I think the big thing for women’s rights groups would be the punishment scene at the end. 
In the movie, that had the distinct feeling of domestic abuse. Ana was crying, clearly uncomfortable and he just kept on. The book shows us how Ana is feeling at the time, and although she is uncomfortable, she chooses not to use her safe word because she doesn’t want to.
I think “punishment” is one thing in a sexual context if you both enjoy it. However, when you are being beaten for rolling your eyes, or saying something the man doesn’t like, it’s perhaps a little more than that.
I’m not sure if the movie was done this way on purpose to make it a bit more sensationalist, or if it just somewhat missed the mark, but I got a very different feel from it than the book.
I do still stand by the point that it’s fictional though, and can see no real reason why it should be banned. I also think all these women’s rights groups are giving it added publicity.
You can get the book here and the movie here.
What do you think? Did the movie come across as more violent than the book or are people just using it as a scape goat? Let me know in the comments 🙂
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