All the hype surrounding Fifty Shades of Grey make the highly anticipated movie susceptible to disappointment. Just to name a few spin-off products, there is Fifty Shades of Grey nail polish, a lingerie collection, Christian Grey look-a-like teddy bears, Fifty Shades of Grey wine, and an "Inner Fantasies Package" at the W Hotel. For the lattermost (which costs $9,000), you can have a Fifty Shades of Grey real life experience that includes a 24/7 butler, black box with handcuffs, massage oils, black whip and blindfolds, a boudoir photo shoot and $500 shopping spree at Agent Provocateur.
As with the excessive merchandise, there are also a multitude of reviews, mostly negative, that have pointed out problems with the movie. I went into the movie expecting it to be awkward, the acting to be dull, and the scenes to be cringe-worthy. I’m not going to say that the dialogue wasn’t at times very awkward, or that some scenes were not cringe-worthy, but that is only because the movie is a true depiction of the book, and the book is, at times, very awkward and cringe-worthy. But isn’t that how many relationships begin?
However, what surprised me most about the movie was how sarcastic and sassy Anastasia was in regards to Christian. She led a business meeting with Christian about their relationship and though she was intimidated by his presence, she didn’t surrender who she was or what she stood for. She questioned him, challenged him, and posed snarky comebacks to his commands, which made you root for her character throughout the progression of their relationship.
The underlying theme that overcomes all the negative critiques about the movie is a message of women’s empowerment. Yes, Christian is demanding, at times abusive, and definitely “fifty shades of f***ed up,” but Anastasia knows it and makes everything on her terms. She is willing to try out a subversive culture because she loves him and she wants to make it work, but she never sacrifices her morals for him. She takes her time with the contract, thinking it over and making him wait for her decision. She challenges why he can’t be more intimate with her because she wants intimacy in their relationship. She teaches him to be more romantic and more open with her.
But when he goes too far and it becomes too much she leaves. Just when you think she is in too deep and will never be able to get out or have the desire to leave him, she does. Just as quickly as the relationship started, it ends. Her capability and strength should, if anything else, shine light on those who feel stuck in a relationship that they feel they can’t get out of.
I know that in college many people have been in unhealthy relationships. It was empowering and inspirational to see someone, with confidence and strength, challenge someone else who was intimidating and powerful. No matter what type of relationship, a woman must stay whole, not lose herself, and she can always … leave.
