cinemablend

Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) constricts Anastasia Steele’s (Dakota Johnson) freedom.

The drab Seattle skies are like the color of his ties. We’re supposed to think it’s alluring, but it turns out to be more creepy and sad.

With a wallet large enough to compensate for his lack of heart, Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) proceeds to seduce Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson). However, his character-flaws are far from appealing. He flaunts his wealth in a shameless display of conspicuous consumption, and his personal life is far from Puritanical with his taste for sadomasochism.

Despite its attempts to delve deep, “Fifty Shades of Grey” (R) is exactly the caliber of the “Twilight” fan-fiction it was originally based on. The conflict centers around Grey’s tortured soul, all the while trying to make excuses for his disgusting preferences.

Grey’s issues stem from his obsessive-compulsive need to control everyone and everything. Privileged and narcissistic, Grey believes the greatest gift he can give Steele is himself. He (figuratively and literally) binds her wrists, suppressing her free will and cornering her to get her just where he wants her.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” is sickening because of the way it overplays female vulnerability. Steele’s demure outfits and asking-for-it voice offensively appeal to a male ideal of weakness in women. Granted there are moments when Steele asserts her individuality, though they are few and far between. The film is more of a porno than a social commentary.

Redeeming qualities of the movie are in its spot-on humor. Strong supporting actors jive with the leads to create the only believable scenes in the movie.

As hard as it pushes to make Steele and Grey a cute couple, it is impossible to forget the fact that he is physically and psychologically abusing her. Their relationship is no model for a healthy pair.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” is monochrome because it serves only one purpose — to display graphic sex scenes within the context of an unusual and unrealistic world. With unwarranted attachment and unabated abuse, “Fifty Shades of Grey” leaves its viewers feeling uncomfortable and violated.

2 / 5 stars