We then see her in class, daydreaming, presumably about Christian. During their first meeting, she receives a pencil with “Grey” printed on it. She becomes infatuated with him and it affects her other personal relationships and professional goals. It is implied that Anastasia has always been a motivated and determined student, but as soon as she meets Christian that changes. Although she is a consenting adult, she has no other experience regarding sex or relationships, which leads her to be easily persuaded by his powerful and therefore knowledgeable image. Christian can sense that she is young and naïve and he does not hesitate to take advantage of that. She is presented as naïve while he is presented as a confident and domineering image of masculinity: “Masculinity inheres in Christian’s sexual and business prowess, which he uses to dominate Anastasia, whose vulnerability is heightened by her sexual inexperience, youth, unemployment, and femininity” (Musser). Most people would be able to recognize Christian’s manipulative nature, but Anastasia cannot.
These two details of his character make his intentions clear to everyone but Anastasia: he can and will possess her if he so chooses. They proceed to conduct and interview, from which the only seemingly important information she extracts from him is that he “exercises control in all things” (00:06:37) and he is not gay. The first time that Christian and Anastasia meet, she is on her knees after having tripped, and he is standing over her. Within only the first few minutes, it becomes apparent that the film will portray power dynamics through the male gaze-presenting women as objects for the pleasure of men. Power dynamics are present throughout the film 50 Shades of Grey however, the way that they are presented can be problematic, ambiguous and confusing. Rather its representations of power dynamics and relationships further adhere to traditional values that do not make any positive progression on these subjects. This essay will argue that Fifty Shades of Grey does not de-stigmatize any taboo sex practices or gender roles. Anastasia is willing to do whatever it takes to be with Christian including sexual practices she does not necessarily enjoy such as BDSM (Bondage and Disciple Sadism and Masochism) -which the film claims to de-stigmatize.
Its protagonist, Anastasia Steele, is a naïve college student who becomes infatuated by the alluring Christian Grey. It reinforces traditional and conservative power dynamics as well as gender roles. However, in actuality, the film fails to live up these claims. It operates under the pretense of empowerment for woman by allowing them to explore their sexuality. The film Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) was marketed as a radical and progressive tale of erotic fiction.
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