Given the fever-pitch hype that has preceded it, it’s hard to believe that Focus Features’ big-screen adaptation of E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey is almost a week from release. With questions surrounding the film’s rating — now slated to be the equivalent of NC-17 in the UK — not to mention whether it can emulate the groundbreaking success of its source material, Sam Taylor-Johnson’s visualization has become a tricky butterfly to pin.
Nevertheless, you can help gauge your own excitement — or lack thereof — for the upcoming erotic drama via this recently-revealed clip, which sees Christian Grey kick romance to the kerb. Starring Jamie Dornan as the multi-millionaire tycoon opposite Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele, given that the entire premise centres around the pair’s explosive relationship, one would assume that Fifty Shades of Grey will live or die based on their chemistry.
That said, the movie is tracking for a relatively big opening, with pre-sales numbers continuing to climb as the excitement builds. Should the adaptation recoup even a fraction of the success of E.L. James’ novels, then you can readily expect Focus Features to push ahead with the second and third installments in the romantic trilogy.
Fifty Shades of Grey will lay siege to Valentine’s Day plans across the country when Sam Taylor-Johnson’s raunchy flick arrives on February 13.
When Anastasia “Ana” Steele, a literature student, goes to interview the wealthy Christian Grey, as a favor to her roommate Kate Kavanagh, she encounters a handsome, brilliant and intimidating man. The innocent and naive Ana, startled to realize she wants him, despite his enigmatic reserve and advice, finds herself desperate to get close to him. Not able to resist Ana’s beauty and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her too, but in his own terms. Ana hesitates as she discovers the singular tastes of Grey – despite the embellishments of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family – Grey is consumed by the need to control everything. As they get close, Steele starts to discover Grey’s secrets and explores her own desires.