Fifty Shades Darker Film

Yes, I was just like you, wondering what this story is about. Well, I did the best background research I could, time permitting.

Here is an excerpt from the QP edition’s Back Matter:

Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Ana cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Ana learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Ana must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

This second film in the Trilogy continues Ana and Christian’s story. It is of a mature nature, and delves deeper into Christian’s world this time. Ana and Christian have decided to take their relationship to the next level of Trust, and he decides to change his dominant behavior, in order to keep her. Apparently, when both characters are apart from one another, they are both tormented (much like Romeo and Juliet).

In order to understand this story, one would need to have experienced a passionate affair. One so gripping that if the other partner left (“Give me some space!”), then the first partner is absolutely miserable in the wake. If you’ve never experienced this type of relationship, you might not feel as “into” the story on-screen, as I was.

It’s not only about the sex, but about how Christian battles the demons from his tortured past, and the other women who came before Ana. In the self-entitled novel, there were 14 other submissives prior to his relationship with Ana. She is an innocent, attracted to him, and likewise, he to her. In Movie #1, Christian tells Ana there were 15 women prior to her, so a bit of script change.

In Movie #2, the screenplay is devoted more to their relationship with a few of *his* issues and his world entering the picture.

This film is again pushing the relationship boundaries, much like its predecessors from past generations: Pretty Woman, 9 1/2 Weeks, Basic Instinct, Sex Lies and Videotape, and, of recent, both Magic Mike films. Yes, stories take place across both genders.

I know y’all are curious about this topic. Personally, this is not my “cup of tea” (as the saying goes), but I’m hearing a lot of controversy with the nature of the film; from the Cougars to the newly “just turned legal” age group. And, from the Male audiences too. I did find the novels quite enjoyable, from a fictional reader’s POV, and their relationship has its entertaining moments.

I thought the filmmakers did well in converting the novel into a film, as most of what’s occurred in the book, was only partially shown on-screen. The film has a different look than the first film, because of different people involved in the production. For more detailed scenes, please read Novel #2.

But, if you’re not willing to read 532 pages, then here’s the synopsis of some of the Toys used in Film #2… <spoiler alert>

Here are the toys that are used…

• Getting ready for the Masked Ball scene – he inserts Balls inside her, which she mistakenly thinks is meant for being inside her Butt, to which his reply is “They’re not for your butt. Bend over.” Removal of the balls occurs during the Masked Ball, right before he and she have sex inside his Childhood room. So, if you were curious about how they work, this is an example of how it’s supposed to be done.
• Inside the Newly Redecorated Red Room scene #1 – he shows her how an adjustable nipple clamp works, while she wants to try a new device out…Cut to…
• The Adjustable Spreader Bar scene – where he shows her how it works outside of the Red Room, while he blindfolds and binds her hands.
• Inside the Newly Redecorated Red Room scene #2 – where it’s almost the Finale! Ana is blindfolded, bound with hands and feet together, and right before a totally naked Christian enters her (while she’s lying sideways on the Red Bed), he releases her hands from her feet, so her tied hands are free to move.

Here are some of the iconic scenes between Ana and Christian…

• Getting back together sex scene – she is totally nude, while he keeps his jeans on, while they’re making up.
• Boundaries scene – where Red lipstick is used to mark Christian’s physical lines. Only the front of him is drawn, not the backside as the novel indicated.
• Panty removal scene – takes place at their Dinner table, on the way out of the Club. In the novel, she went to the Ladies Room to remove them. Leading to…
• Elevator scene – where he pretend-ties his shoe, fingers her in the elevator, on the way down to the ground floor. In a full elevator.
• Shower scenes – so they can talk and bond and have more loving.
• Over the shoulder carrying scenes – to show control.
• Workout scene – where she watches him working out in his Gym Room, overlooking the Bay. Hint to the Gentlemen: that was a strengthening Yoga Move that was executed, so impress your lady if you will, by lifting your entire body prone with both your forearms. A lot harder than it looks!

Interesting enough, Kim Bassinger appears in Fifty Shades Darker as Elena Lincoln, playing the older, more sophisticated woman (referred to as Mrs. Robinson in the Novels), who was the Dominant, when Christian was her submissive, occurring many years prior to Ana and Christian’s story. She also subbed for him, during their time together. Talk about a Backstory! Ms. Bassinger still looks as good as ever, and her performance leaves the MovieViewer with something to think about. <BTW, she also had her own Hairstylist, Regular and Body makeup team for her appearance in this movie>

I liked the Music soundtrack, so thank you to Danny Elfman for composing this. There is a different director, screenwriter and cinematographer than the first film. So, if you’re expecting the same look and feel as the first film, then you’re in for a surprise. The Set design is also of a different feel.

If you’re confused as to Christian’s POV, then please pick up a copy of his story, called Grey. It, too, is quite an interesting read, and provides some of the answers about his childhood-background to you.

There are two excerpts at the end of Fifty Shades Freed, called Fifty’s First Christmas and Meet Fifty Shades. The latter excerpt is also part of Grey. I will let you know if these titles are available from the local bookstore, which is Barnes & Noble for me right now.

The Fifty Shades Trilogy novel series is written from Ana’s POV.

Before you pay your admission ticket, a pre-requisite is to view the first film (Fifty Shades of Grey). It will help you to understand where the second film is going, as well as the third one, Fifty Shades Freed (which is tentatively due out February 2018). And, of course, to read my Hubpages!

Some of the returning characters from the first film include:

• Anastasia Steele – our Heroine.
• Christian Grey – our Hero.
• Taylor – personal assistant to Christian Grey.
• Mrs. Grey – Christian’s adopted mother.
• Carrick Grey – Mrs. Grey’s husband.
• Mrs. Jones – Christian’s housekeeper, aka Gail.
• Mia Grey – Christian’s adopted sister.
• Elliott Grey – Christian’s brother. In the Novel trilogy series, Elliott is the polar opposite of Christian, in both looks and temperament. However, in the movie, Luke Grimes was casted, so he and Jamie Dornan are of similar coloring.
• Kate Kavanaugh – Ana’s best friend, and currently dating Elliott.
• <Ethan Kavanaugh – Kate’s brother, whom Ana introduces to Mia at Ana’s place of work. Mia and Ethan are “on and off” dating throughout the novel. He is not included as a character in this film.>
• <Bob Adams – Carla’s fourth husband, and Ana’s stepdad. Not included as a character in the film.>
• <Carla Adams – Ana’s mom. Not included in the film.>
• Jose Rodriguez – Ana’s friend, who’s been and still is crushing on her.

Yes, it was explosive, dramatic, and had all the elements of a translated film. If you’re thinking that you’ve seen this type of story before, you might be remembering Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, and Pride and Prejudice. I believe that love stories have a certain plotline, and can end in only so many ways: Tragedy or HEA, or more realistically, HFN.

If you opt to see this movie, instead of reading the novel, then you’ll be relieved to know there are certain Novel scenes that are acted out exactly on-screen. Again, a different take from Film #1, because it has a different director and screenwriter than the first film. Most of what’s on-screen is pushing boundaries, albeit, Ana is exploring her sensuality, and has Christian as her teacher. If a female wanted her “bad self” to be brought out by a good-looking guy. Judgement call here=YourSubjectiveOpinion.

I’m predicting that this film is probably going to change the direction of quite a few heterosexual relationships, as this is the main crux of the story. The expectations of the dating field, and perhaps, partners wanting to “spice up” a marriage. I’ve heard different comments based on whom you talk with. Cougars definitely think “it was a good film,” meanwhile some of my younger Male friends say “It’s distasteful to women in general.” (referring to the BD to do the SM).

Scroll down to see some new characters for this film…

Leila is one of Christian’s former submissives, who enters Anastasia’s world one day. Ana thinks it’s because of her and Christian’s photo in the newspaper, taken at her college graduation. In the novel, Leila left Christian 3 years prior because “she wanted more,” met and married another guy a year after that, and is now taking drugs, has suicidal tendencies and is seeking solace (“What do you have that I don’t?” she asks of Ana).

In the movie, Leila is quite a bit more active in the Apartment Scene, than in the book. This was the Drama moment in the theatre, when everyone jumped at the Gunshot. Other than that, there was no mention of Christian bathing her, just that “she’s in the Psych ward getting help she needs.”

Okay, Hottie alert for the ladies!

In the original film casting, he was supposed to be in the film. In the final cut, he is not there, other than being mentioned by Ana for his possible consideration of being published by Seattle Independent Publishing.

I believe Kim needs no introduction! Her body of work speaks for itself.

In the book, Ana refers to Elena as “Mrs. Robinson.” She is the femme fatale, older, sophisticated woman, who taught Christian everything he knows. She and he are business partners, and throughout Movie & Novel #2, Christian reassures Ana that their physical relationship ended a long time ago. Ana, however, doesn’t seem to get over her jealousy of either Elena nor Leila.

And, of course, Christian continues to be highly possessive of Ana, since they met. Now, he just wants to make her his. And he does!

In the movie, Kim does a great Mrs. Robinson portrayal, but there is no mention of her submissive, Isaac. In the film, she still desires Christian and is the reoccurring thorn-in-Ana’s-side. Absolutely loved the ending! Great martini splash.

As you’d expect from his character’s name, Hyde has two faces: nice and not-so-nice. He is Ana’s new boss at her job at Seattle Independent Publishing. In the novel, he wants to hire her as his Personal Assistant, just to “get into her panties,” as Christian warns her on numerous occasions.

In the movie, his personification is slightly different, but not far off the mark. While I read Novel #2’s ending, the movie only confirmed what/who it is. Of course, I’m a peeker when I read novels, so I suspect he’ll be back for Novel #3, if not in Film #3. Because a Trilogy has three volumes, or Three Acts, if you’re a writer.

Introduced in the novel fairly late, Ros is Christian’s #2 at Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc. They are both traveling together in Christian’s helicopter (Charlie Tango), and crash land while flying on business. Everyone assumes that they are MIA and possibly DOA.

Her partner in the novel is Greta.

In the movie, Ros was shown in the Helicopter Crash scene, and again, presumably with her partner, at the Birthday Party scene.

Greta is Ros Bailey’s partner, and Ana’s question is answered as to why Ros was not hitting on Christian, and the answer is obvious.

In the movie, she is alluded to at the Birthday Party scene. But never introduced verbally.

I’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date for Fifty Shades Freed, which is scheduled to be released theatrically February 2018. <and you would know this, if you stayed for the Ending Credit Roll. Ahem!> Until the next film review, Pam