Fifty Shades Of Misogyny, Chauvinism, And Exploitation

With the upcoming release of the prequel, Fifty Shades Darker, I have decided to re- watch Fifty Shades of Grey. I must admit, before I begin my article, the release of Fifty Shades of Grey was something I was simply living for during that time. I was a teenager (not that long ago, however with age comes knowledge, a lot of it, as you’re about to find out) when I read the first book. It felt like the world (especially the online world) exploded when the book was published. Was I excited to read the book? I was ecstatic. I must say, that when I was younger, I did not enjoy reading much (a lot has changed since then) and to show you how thrilled I was to enter the world of the ‘fucked up romance’, I will admit that the book took me under two days to read, yes, I read it nonstop. I was amazed, pumped and intrigued. The obvious happened, I purchased the two remaining books and I was swallowed whole by them. I remember sitting in that cinema room, on edge, while the opening credits rolled. Finally, something I visualised, or even fantasised about was coming to life. Did I like the film, well the answer is quite obvious; although I must admit I immediately thought Dornan’s acting was weak, blunt and ... Yes, of course Jamie Dornan is ever so handsome (fits my type p-e-r-f-e-c-t-l-y), but after all, even then, I saw films for more than a visual stimuli (I couldn’t help but let the inner film critic within me shine). Dornan has proven the audiences that he is a talented actor, with the help of The Fall, a highly critically acclaimed BBC Drama. I was frustrated at the critics, I myself saw flaws within the film, yes, but I was simply being biased and I was lacking objectivity. I fell so deep into the ‘trap’ I visited the cinema twice; which I must tell you that during the second screening, there were eight people in the room including me, and my then boyfriend and two people left. However, even now, would I say the film was bad enough to simply walk out of; well that is not a straight forward answer. Will Dornan regret staring in 50 Shades of Grey? Is Doran cursed by the Pattinson/Twilight curse? There is no doubt that Pattinson's performance, and the overall character development within the Twilight franchise was out of line. Pattinson, desperately tries to prove the audience (and himself) that he is more than a blood sucking bore, in fact I find Pattinson to be a genuinely talented actor with an artistic soul. Pattison’s talent shone through in Remember Me, and award winning Rover.

As a young woman, I felt empowered by the film, I saw it as a salute to equality and empowerment of women; because the film, and the novel portrays women as having a sexuality, the right to orgasm for God sake! Well, I was COMPLETELY wrong as it turns out. The contrast between my initial emotional response to the film, and my response to the film now, is monumental. This time around I found myself almost screaming at the screen, this time I was not in awe from the ever so charming, mysterious Mr Grey; I was simply in awe due to the societal structure that we all live in today. 

I had almost always avoided branding myself, or categorising my beliefs, perhaps it’s time to admit, deep down I was simply scared to openly say, I am in fact, a feminist. The misconception of feminism within our society is simply daunting. If a woman admits that ‘she believes in equality’ which is what feminism is, although yes there are many categories of feminism that are perhaps more extreme and radical in their beliefs, then she is stigmatized and label as ‘crazy’. It is time to acknowledge that feminism is not a pity parade, equality is a human right, more importantly it’s about respect (which the films heavily lacks, however I will soon explain this point), it is rather absurd having people thinking that all feminists are Valerie Solanas. I have indeed read her Manifesto titled SCUM, I enjoyed the book. It is absurd at times, humorous, but very eye-opening. Anyway, to have people brand all feminist as ‘men hating’ lesbian extremists is like saying all religious people are potential terrorist, which is pathetic and simply wrong.

So, I put the film on, ready to see Mr Grey flex his muscles, take control, help Ana become a ‘real’ woman and so on. I laugh to myself, as I now remember how the film is at no level, a parallel reflection of real life (well

 perhaps not many films are). From the first scene Ana is portrayed as a lamb. She carries her innocence gracefully. The contrast between herself, and her fellow roommate, Kate (who I must point out represent the new era of women, to an extent) is prominent. Just by looking at Kate’s character, the audience are able to tell she would, at no point, put up with ‘Mr Grey’s shit’. Although, when I first entered the world of Fifty Shades of Grey, I wanted to emphasise with Ana (she’s so pure, quirky an after all we have similar names). Although not so prominent in the film, the novel portrays Kate as a distinctive character, who speaks too much, gets wound up in people's business and is despised by Grey; this is due to the fact that Kate represents the group of women, who are not easily controlled and manipulated, as those women are the biggest threat to men like Grey and their heavy use of power. However, Kate is the only character, which to an extent, portrays the rise of the ‘new woman’. Kate is well taken care of, she does not care, or acknowledge much judgement, and she enjoys life living by her own rules. In contrast to Ana, She is not a virgin; her overall person emanates her wild side and carefree mindset. And Yes, Kate is not a damsel in distress, but despite sleeping with a guy she just met at a party (which is Grey’s adopted brother) she manages to form a well functioning, abuse free relationship with him, I mean come on guys, who would have thought that someone as ‘bad’ and ‘sexually deviant’ as Kate, would ever be considered as a potential girlfriend, then wife and mother as it turned out. It is no news that within society and film, women such as Kate are demonised (Kate is the ultimate Femme Fatale). Even Ana’s fall into Grey’s office is symbolic, she is a damsel in distress, she is a victim, vulnerable and in need of saving. It is indeed ironic, as Ana can be considered to be almost childlike; she is what psychologists call a blank slate/ tabula rasa. Ana is a perfect material for a potential submissive and victim, and without any experience and much knowledge when it come to relationships, Grey can easily program her and lead her into falsely believing that Grey will offer her the ultimate happiness.

Grey proudly welcomes Ana into his world of pleasure and pain, leaving Ana bemused and asking for the purpose of the whole act. Ana is asked to surrender her power and control, offer her body and soul. What does she get in return, well the answer is rather simple, she is ‘ honoured’ to get Mr Grey, Grey shows his devotion to Ana by informing her, he will only be hers during their agreement, like this is some sort of luxury or a privilege. Our society is shaped in such a way that monogamy is perceived as a luxury, something rather exclusive, and something to be deeply grateful for.

I want to establish that I am by no means trying to have a ‘hateful rampage’, but it is in my nature to analyse (as you all know) and compare and contrast film-life on a sociological spectrum. Yes, the audience are well aware, that the main theme in the franchise and the adaption is BDSM, therefore there must be control involved, however, in this article I want to establish the misconception and misrepresentation of relationships, sex and romance. So, Mr Grey... At first glance this guy is a control freak (there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, I like men who take control, who know where they stand, who are aware of their status and role). Many of you, at this point, may think that I am taking this film too literally and too seriously, but isn’t this the whole point of film? Films, and especially directors, are very powerful, due to the medium of filmmaking being such an influential tool. Psychologists, argue that people are shaped and programmed unconsciously and learn vicariously, meaning that we learn and experience life through others.Therefore, the portrayal of society within films can influence how, we, individually, and society is in fact shaped. Yes, of course we go to the cinema to relax, socialize and films have the ability to take our mind away from the monotony of our daily lives, we enter a whole new world of unknown, however the audiences are not fully aware how the messages transmitted and ‘ injected’ into them can influence their behaviour and alert their mindsets. Therefore, shouldn’t the directors think more carefully about what they are portraying to a potential young audience of women, who are lost within today’s social norms? The misrepresentation of gender, sexuality, and simply sex within such films does not only affect women, it also affects men. The audiences are presented with two distinctive categories ‘a damsel in distress’ and the ‘knight in shining armour’, therefore if you do not fall under those two categories then what ... Well, according to the film, if you are not a pure virgin then ‘you are not the one he’s been waiting for’ . No girls, Mr Grey would not say ‘Where have you been all my life’ to you, if you are not untouched and pure, and of course, you would not be able to tell him, that you have been ‘waiting for him’ all your life... Men are taught to prove and establish their masculinity through control, abuse and toughness. Well yes, us girls like the bad boy type, there is no denying that, but when I admit to being attracted to the bad boy persona, what I have in mind is the immortal James Dean, whom oozes coolness, mystique and sexiness, not a man who uses mind games and misogyny to lure me into his trap, so thanks Mr Grey, but it’s a no from me.

Fifty Shades of Grey, is categorized as a slightly unconventional romance, with sexual submissions, however I can tell you that liking, or experiencing the hierarchy of control and power when it comes to sex, strays far from passive aggressive, controlling, psychologically abusive relations. The problem that I personally have with this film, and many of this kind, is the dynamic portrayed between men and women. In media studies of society, sociologists propose many theories regarding how the media’s portrayal of life effects the viewers, one of the most well known theories is the hyperdermic syringe model, which propose, that the viewers of the media are simply injected with messages that flow straight through their bodies (minds in particular) alerting and changing their perception of the ‘real’ world’. Therefore, if we accept this proposed model of media reception then there is clearly a major problem regarding such issues. Like many, I have been a victim of the societal norms, values and gender roles. I was made to believe that it is okay for him to have ‘full’ control over your whole life, he can tell you how much you should weigh, whether or not you should wear makeup, how to act, what to do and not do, the list is endless. Of course, this works both ways as I am not outing men to be the predators, as many men experience many types of abuse within relationships. Why should we let the patriarchal society control us, why should we let the author of the franchise,  and the director of the film make us believe that it is OKAY for someone to cry and be emotionally and physical hurt, when they are in a relationship of any form. Grey brings Ana down to tears when he physically uses his power as a dominant, and where many would say it’s simply BDSM, I will tell you that it is not. Grey himself, tells Anna early on in the film, BDSM is not pain but pleasure, so WHY are his actions portraying something opposite to his claim; the abuse is interpret as a distinctive sex act when it shouldn’t be classed as such. There should not be any stigma surrounding any sort of sexual acts, because sex and the preferences is diverse, however, the film, is by no means what so ever, normalising and decreasing the stigma surrounding BDSM; it is in fact scaring people away from it, it is simply showing it as a soul destroying experience, when in fact it is not I would believe. The film romanticises abuse. I am not talking about the physical acts of BDSM; I am talking about domestic abuse. Instead of excusing Grey’s behaviour, the audiences should acknowledge, that he is in fact, an abuser. 

I am not blaming Fifty Shades of Grey or even Twilight (which it was originally based on) for the mindset I had when I was beginning my adult life, but I cannot ignore the fact that those sweet teenage films, such as Twilight, followed by the ‘raunchy’ Fifty Shades of Grey, shaped me in a way that was self destroying. The franchise has a ‘happy ending’; everything turns out just fine... Mr Grey, with the help of the ever so lovely and caring Ana, faces his demons and becomes a better man ...hooray... Yes, that is rather nice, hopeful I should say, however, all the suffering of Ana is simply ignored. She sacrifices her life to save him. Love is sacrifice, I am a strong believer of that, BUT love is most importantly about mutual respect. Despite Ana being an educated, well spoken woman, her self-worth and value is placed in the hands of Grey. The film unconsciously injects the audience with the false ideologies, women are taught to place a major value on finding love, as the biggest life goal and ambition, is to get the man. Ana is passive, but the author of the book manipulates the reader by portraying her as ‘hard to persuade’, not accepting Grey’s agreement and adding her touch to it. Although Ana expresses her feelings and views, she gets abused and comes back to her abuser (no, crying is not part of any sexual play). It is Grey that holds the power, and guides Ana on a lead like a dog.  It is time society realises, that young people, are injected with false misrepresentations, that shape their futures. The film, leads young people into believing, that people who are psychologically and emotionally damaged like Grey, have a reason and an excuse to abuse others and take their anger out on their partners. BDSM cannot be used to disguise the aggressive nature of the abusers. BDSM and any sexual act, is about mutual respect and mutual pleasure, not fear that devours Ana. 

At first I thought I was simply angry, however I now realise, I am sad and frustrated to see the beauty and art of filmmaking, being used to brainwash people. Banksy, who is regarded as a revolutionists by many argues that, ‘’Film is incredibly democratic and accessible, it’s probably the best option if you actually want to change the world, not just re-decorate it’’. Banksy supports my argument, that film, is the most powerful medium that society has to offer, so we ought to use it bring about change and improvement.

 Many disliked the film and books for the explicit, heavy sexual content and nudity. However, I personally believe that the art of filmmaking has the rights, or is even obliged to include such things in films. I have always been intrigued by the unknown and forbidden; I have always searched for films which approach life with a taboo free mindset, nudity, sex and even violence is normal. The blurring of the lines is what seems to be the main problem regarding such films, as the films portray a misconception, which leads the audiences into believing that what they have witnessed is okay. If a film, follows a narrative packed with exploitation of any kind, it is the film’s responsibility to inform its audience that the exploitation, although portrayed, is not a norm. The audiences do not watch a war film, believing that the attackers were right and there was no wrong doing , therefore why do we allow such films as Fifty Shades of Grey, to establish new norms .What really saddens me the most, is the fact that we watch those films thinking that this is normal... It is time that society teaches young people, that yes, relationships are tough, people will get hurt, however no relationship should ever ask for too much and give so little. I often find myself wondering, how different my experiences would have been, if I was not exposed to things that shaped me in the way they did. I can openly admit, that despite my outspoken personality, I have been used, mistreated and I was pushed into believing that it is a Man’s World, therefore my self-worth lies within the control he has over me. I am a primary example of the injection of media and the effects of it. I was brought up and taught to love, value and respect myself and my beliefs, so how did all of this happen to me I ask myself. Well the answer is clear to me now. It all happens unconsciously. I could talk for hours about the Male Gaze theory, objectifying women, however that is no novelty. Perhaps even I simply accepted it.

The release of the franchise caused a stir, almost a revolution for women; as they believe. It was believed that finally, women’s needs were being catered;  as with the rise of ‘female friendly’ pornography, the book somewhat attempted to normalise sex. Well this is what women and society was lead to believe. When something is branded and aimed ‘exclusively’ to women it can often result and lead to a misconception of women’s needs. Women are no longer perceived as individuals, with various tastes and needs; they are grouped into vanilla soft-core. But hey, we should be happy right, after all, society finally acknowledges that women watch pornography too... Women are forced into passivity, acceptance and being always grateful. There are endless categories within pornography, and the innocent creatures, that women are (or what society makes them to be) only fit into one traditional, the ever so loving and romantic love making. This results in women abstaining from their individual desires. This argument proposes that, we, as women, should be thankful for Fifty Shades of Grey; finally women can be more adventurous. Yes, in fact the film offers something new, but shows the audience that with BDSM and more extreme sexual play, comes a great toll of abuse, black mail and overall control.

Many people, including the critics focus solely on the visual aspects of cinema. Cinematography, Mise en Scene is all essential in making a film into a piece of art or trash, but yet, few realise the immense and wide spreading effect of it. I feel obliged, as someone who has a deep interest in film, and society in general, to analyses the subtexts and messaged conveyed in films. The film is visually pleasing, the soundtrack is surprisingly good. I did not expect a visual, moving piece of art, just a well crafted and adapted film; I feel this is what the film offers, but only visually ignoring the narrative.

When I initially watched the film, I somehow finally felt understood. I felt that the stigma regarding women enjoying, wanting and needing sex was disappearing, as the film’s message, regarding this, somehow suggests that it is okay to be intrigued by sex and desired by men... as long as you are a virgin. Men are excused and demand to be understood, whereas women on the other hand, are obliged to follow strict gender roles. Mr Grey has had a prominent number of previous partners, where as Ana has had none. This sole fact is not to be judge, but the film informs the audience that it is okay for men to have had many sexual encounters, whereas it is preferred for women to be pure. This suggests that perhaps, if Ana had previous sexual encounters prior to Grey, she would have not been the material to love. Does Grey fall in love with Anna simply because she is a virgin, and that is so rare to find apparently, because those devilish women are expressing and embracing their sexuality and their sexual needs...

To conclude my article, I am proudly able to say I am a woman, who finally knows what she wants, needs, and deserves in life. As someone who loves the beauty of film as much as I do and has so much passion for the art of filmmaking, I feel offended seeing this medium being misused for the wrong reasons. Instead, the art of filmmaking should be embraced and praised for the beauty and change it is capable of bringing to the world. Fifty Shades of Grey is not an exception, just an example of the art of film being purely used as a money making tool. Film is not just a business; it is one of the purest art forms to exist. Despite the ideologies the film is trying to transmit, remember that an orgasm is not a privilege, but a right to have.

Anna Gaszkowska

Weirdness, Laughter, Joy & Sorrow The Best Recipe For A Great Friendship

Swiss Army Man

Recently, I had the privilege of watching this magnificently, peculiar film. After reading countless articles and seeing all the hype surrounding this film, I decided to give it a try. I must say, I was rather excited to watch the ‘Best Film of the Year ‘. Although, I must admit, I am not a fan of The Harry Potter sequels, I am definitely a fan of Daniel Radcliff. Often, young actors who have gained popularity through films such as Harry Potter, or even Twilight (and other ‘teen’ movies) are eager to show the audience their individuality, ability to act and ‘nonconformist’ personas, however often this seems fabricated. This is certainly not the case with the talented guy that Radcliff is! Nevertheless, it is rather refreshing to see familiar faces, attracting the audiences to ‘art house’ form of cinema. 

 

I honestly think that actors such as Radcliff or even the eccentrics such as Shia LaBeouf are the new ‘hopes’ for cinema. They are young, rebellious with the ‘I don’t give a fuck’ attitude and this reflects in their work. Is this the Jimmy Dean rebellion, well it’s been over half a century since Jimmy’s ‘time’, but he was the ‘Rebel without a Cause’ and he was the hope at that era, I mean surely we would not see the iconic rebel, that Dean was, farting to swim oceans like a dolphin, that would have been absurd during the 50s (boy imagine that HA!), well its even absurd now right? Well perhaps yes, but that is why we love the art of film. I believe if Jimmy was among ‘our’ young actors today, he would be the one starring alongside Radcliff, LaBeouf  and many, many other ‘curiosities’. Before I watch a film, I often read a little about it, I like to know the plot in order to form some expectations; spoilers do not ruin the fun for me, they make me more eager to watch the film. However, before finally deciding to watch Swiss Army Man, all I knew was: Daniel Radcliff plays a dead body and beholds some rather bizarre abilities. My knowledge about the film was limited. To cut the story short, the film is about a farting dead body... But is it?

There are many ways to interpret the film. It is magnificent, humorous, odd and at times tear jerking. I can see why the opinions regarding this movie are hugely divided. For those who have a particular interest in the indie film-making, odd surrealist stories then this film is the hit. I personally loved the film, although after watching 20 minutes of it my emotions were mixed (Do I really want to spend over an hour of my life watching a guy carrying a dead body through the woods?), but that quickly changed. It is not just a dead body... How ever you want to interpret the film, it teaches us about humanity and life. In my opinion, it’s a beautiful reflection of life; life as a metaphor. As a picture/visual, the film is simply an odd piece; however the subtext of the film holds a deeper meaning. We are taught about the beautiful thing that is called life i.e. the thing we take for granted, and the urge, the uncanny urge to die. To put things simply, the narrative can be described as a walk on a thin line between the joys of life, and the beauty and denial of death. 

For those, who interpret the film simply through the visuals, it’s a well crafted piece of cinema. The colour palette is fresh, cinematography is also elegant, the linear narrative flows, however in order to understand the film, it is important to consider the psychological and emotional part of it. The visuals serve the audience as an aid to understand the wider context of the film. Swiss Army Man is rather demanding as the audience must not only absorb the visuals, but they must also understand the metaphor. For me personally, the film provoked contradictory emotions within me, or may I say I felt the contradictory emotions within and between the characters. Hank, who is our main protagonist here, ran away from life, desperate in despair he ‘learns’ to love life again through teaching ‘life’ to the dead guy. Whereas Manny, who can be described as a having a mind of a child, grows full of enthusiasm learning about this thing called life. The movie beautifully and rather uniquely presents the audience with ‘a body’ experiencing thoughts... He is unable to explain what his body, or rather mind is doing. This scene made me smile to myself, as I myself, often find myself lost in philosophical questions that I ask myself, ‘’Woah how is it possible that we think’’ ‘’Isn’t it strange that we have a little voice inside our heads’’ yeah those sort of questions that keep me up late at night... Anyway, Manny’s childlike interest and energy for life (which he cannot feel or experience, but yet finds beauty in it) motivates and provokes Hank to fight back, fight for his life, happiness and his rights to be unique and most importantly loved. However, even Manny begins to see the ‘ugly’ in life. While learning from Hank and while absorbing his emotions, Manny sees the hurt in Hank, and even Manny feels that he no longer wants to ‘live’. Of course the film reaches the climax, somehow things ‘work out’, well the ending and what leads to it is rather ambiguous. So do not expect an overly ‘jolly’ standard (and cheesy) Hollywood ending. Things fall into place, because this is life. Unfortunately, the world is not filled with rainbows and unicorns, but even through our struggles, misery and discouragement, life is always worth living.

In my opinion, yes this is the ‘Best Film’ of 2016 that I have seen. It serves everything I would expect a movie to serve. There is humour, melancholy, nostalgia, longing, and happiness found in the misery and a strange, but yet beautiful friendship between two peculiar beings. Kwan & Scheiner, who are the directors of this outstanding film, did an excellent job at conveying serious issues through humours and odd mechanisms. For me, this film was rather personal for many reasons, I could say I have been Hank, but I have also been Manny. I avoid being biased, however maybe this film was made exactly for me and others like me out there... I have always claimed that if I could force someone to watch a film, I would most certainly always choose La Haine (Kassovitz, 1995) however, I must add Swiss Army Man to my list also. I can promise you, that you will not be disappointed with the film. 

Anna Gaszkowska