'Fifty Shades of Grey' on Netflix: 5 major changes from book to screen
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Fifty Shades of Grey' is set to make its debut on Netflix on Tuesday, June 18, offering viewers a chance to delve into the the sensual and captivating tale of Anastasia 'Ana' Steele (Dakota Johnson) and Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan).
The film is based on E L James' 2011 novel of the same name. After giving an interview to Ana for a campus paper, Christian becomes enamored with her. Despite being a virgin, Ana decides to enter into a relationship with him. As their romance develops, Ana discovers Christian's fascination with BDSM.
The film adaptation of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' differs from the book in several ways, including the portrayal of certain scenes, character development, and the overall pacing of the story.
Ahead of the release of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' on Netflix, let's discuss five major changes from book to screen.
Some of the book's sex scenes are not included in the film
The film adaptation of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' features numerous sexual scenes. However, the film omits specific sex scenes from the book that are considered particularly memorable by fans.
In the book, one scene involves the use of vanilla ice cream as a sensual prop during a steamy encounter between Ana and Christian. Another scene takes place on a pool table, wherein Ana and Christian engage in a sexual activity.
In the film, the bathtub scene does not involve Ana performing oral sex on Christian, a detail that is included in the book.
In the book, Ana and Christian have a passionate encounter where Ana experiences a fulfilling orgasm. Later on, Christian leaves, leading to a moment of emotional turmoil for Ana. Hours later, he returns to comfort her. In the movie, Christian does not return to Ana's apartment after their encounter.
Rules about eating and exercising are not included in the film
In the book, a significant portion of the relationship contract between Ana and Christian revolves around Ana's diet and exercise regimen.
He is obsessed with Ana's eating habits, often asking her about her meals and demanding that she eat in front of him. The contract specifies that Ana must adhere to a list of prescribed foods and refrain from snacking between meals. He also asks her to work out four times a week. Later on, Ana negotiates different terms. None of these details are included in the movie adaptation.
The film likely chose to omit the detailed depiction of Christian's control over Ana's eating and exercise habits because it could have been controversial and potentially triggering for some viewers.
Ana doesn’t have a computer in the book
In the book, when Christian asks Ana to research BDSM on a computer, she tells him she doesn't have one. However, the film adaptation shows Ana having a computer, but it is a low-quality device prone to breaking down.
In the book, Ana mostly borrows a laptop from Kate. In both the book and the film adaptation, Christian eventually buys Ana a laptop.
Ana uses the laptop provided by Christian to do her research on BDSM. In the book, Ana refers to the laptop provided by Christian as 'Mean Machine.'
Ana is focused on her professional life in the book
In the book, Ana's professional aspirations play a more prominent role in her character development compared to the film. She discusses her dreams of working in the publishing industry and is eventually able to secure her first publishing job.
However, in the film adaptation, these details about Ana's professional aspirations are not explored, and her career is not a focal point of the story.
The film focuses more on the central relationship between Ana and Christian, emphasizing their personal dynamics and romantic entanglements.
There's no Ben Wa balls scene in the film
In the book, there is a scene where Christian inserts Ben Wa balls inside Ana and spanks her for pleasure, which she enjoys. The sensation of the Ben Wa balls combined with the spanking leads Ana to orgasm. However, this scene is not depicted in the film adaptation.
In the book, this scene serves to illustrate the couple's exploration of BDSM and Ana's enjoyment of certain aspects of it.
Though it makes sense to cut a scene like this for a mainstream film adaptation, as it may be considered too explicit or controversial for some audiences.
How to stream 'Fifty Shades of Grey'?
'Fifty Shades of Grey' will be available for streaming on Netflix from Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
The standard plan with ads is available starting from $6.99/month. This plan allows subscribers to access Netflix's vast library of content.
For those who prefer an uninterrupted viewing experience, the standard plan without ads is priced at $15.49/month.
The Premium plan, priced at $22.99/month, provides additional features and benefits, including access to content in Ultra HD resolution and the ability to stream on multiple devices simultaneously.
'Fifty Shades of Grey' trailer