"An Apology" 50 Shades of Grey (2015) Review

as found on eonline.com

Yes. I watched this. And, yes I do regret watching this. Like many others that have watched the movie, I did not like it. Whether from the topic matter or seemingly awkward reactions between two seemingly uninteresting characters in an overtly dramatic over the top plot, 50 Shades of Grey is an extremely antagonizing movie.

I would like to be a contrarian to the general consensus that this movie is just abysmal (getting 25% on Rotten Tomatoes, 4.1 out of 10 on IMDb, and 46% on Metacritic). The topic matter, however, prevents me from finding anything possibly redeeming about this movie, if there is any.

First, I would like to point out at the seemingly purposeful awkwardness that is developed between the characters. The movie is controlled. Especially, apparent in the beginning sequence where Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele meet. The movements all seemed choreographed as the nuances such as the movements of Anastasia trying to find a seat and Christian trying to find a better angle.

The active dominatrix like control that seems to be asserted throughout the movie hints the possibility that the director may have been trying to do something more with the content suggested.  Here, I have to apologize. I cannot tell you this mainly due to my own inability to get past the topic matter which has moments of borderline softcore porn that I would despise to watch again.

Borderline softcore porn
As found on huffingtonpost.com

If you are courageous to watch this movie and are looking for more, I would looking at a couple of things: first, the juxtaposition between the different sexual spaces, second, the obsession with the subject of contract and whether it influenced the awkward ending, and third, the use of alcohol throughout the movie. These nuanced points can lead to a different interpretation of the movie at large. But, the director, Sam Taylor-Johnson, was not able to qualify the over the top plot in such a way that actively pushed people to look into what exactly the movie is doing.

I believe that 50 Shades of Grey may be a misunderstood movie if you are able to look past the subject matter and acting. There may be something more but I will have to also say that there may not be anything at all. It is all hard to say or even understand because I myself do not understand and will, sadly, not understand what this movie may actually be trying to do.

Trailer: 50 Shades of Grey