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.
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.
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
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