So, the movie version of Twilight fan fiction-turned erotica-turned global phenomenon Fifty Shades of Grey is coming out on Saturday (Valentine’s Day, of course) and as much as I tried to avoid talking about it I really, really need to.
I haven’t read the books (except for the handy dandy sex scene compilation one major publication was nice enough to put together) and I’m not entirely sure I want to cough up $12 to see the movie in a dark room of hot and bothered strangers. So, mainly, I want to know what YOU think. This series of books was made popular, by and large, by moms–specifically stay-at-home moms–but moms nonetheless. I’m not a mom (unless corgis count as children) and I need to know what the appeal is here. Did you read the books? Are you seeing the movie? What did you think?
And more importantly, I want to know what you think about this: One of the biggest criticisms of this series and the author, E.L. James, is in regards to the nature of the relationship between main characters Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. According to many people, there are several occasions where the relationship crosses the boundary between 24/7 BDSM to straight up abuse.
The “LOVE story” (as E.L James describes it in her Twitter profile) is, to many people, less about love and more about manipulation, stalking, verbal and physical abuse. The blogger behind The Rambling Curl documented 50 scenes she believes fall into this category, and I have to say she makes a pretty convincing point.
So what’s your verdict? Is Fifty Shades of Grey actually any good? Is it trashy but harmless? Or is it an account of domestic abuse that is too problematic to ignore? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below–I’d really like to hear them.
Editor’s note: If you or someone you know are a victim of domestic abuse or feel unsafe with your partner, you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or visit the website here.
