Fifty Shades of Grey

The book, the director, and which cinemas in London are showing Fifty Shades of Grey. 

Plus, click here to read our suggestions of good female erotica that's better than Fifty Shades of Grey. 

The publication of E.L. James’s Fifty Shades of Grey in 2011 was nothing short of a phenomenon, selling over sixty million copies, so a film was never in doubt. Such is the forcefulness of the novel’s fans that every production rumour has been taken up and discussed in various fan forums, even resulting in the re-casting of major roles. It is hard then to think of a more hotly anticipated movie of 2014 and that its trailer has been watched more than any other is testament to this fervour.

The Book

For the few unfamiliar with the story, Fifty Shades of Grey follows the journey of Anastasia Steele, a literature student, whose interview with a handsome billionaire, Christian Grey, leads her down a path of dark secrets and steamy sexual experimentation.

Director

Since the book’s rise to prominence, screenwriters and producers have been chomping at the bit to take on the adaptation. Writers such as Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho) publicly expressed interest, though James eventually settled on Kelly Marcel (Saving Mr. Banks) along with the redrafting expertise of Patrick Marber (Closer). Such proficiency and experience, fans are assured, will guarantee James’s novel is inventively brought to life for the screen.

Cast

After a great deal of dramatic recastings, Jamie Dornan eventually fought off Alexander Skarsgård and Robert Pattinson for the role of the domineering Christian Grey. His sinister performance as a serial killer in BBC’s The Fall, coupled with an alluring past as a Calvin Klein model was deemed a fitting mix for the character. Less hearsay was associated with the casting of Dakota Johnson (21 Jump Street), whose performance in The Social Network was clearly enough to seal her the role of the sexually inexperienced Anastasia. Although there continues to be some controversy over the decidedly un-graphic snippets from the trailer (some fans referring to the movie as ‘Fifty Shades of Tame’), Fifty Shades of Grey will surely be one of the most hotly discussed films of the year. Click the links below to book tickets at cinemas in London showing Fifty Shades of Grey. 

Cinemas showing Fifty Shades of Grey in London:

West: Where to see Fifty Shades of Grey in West London: The Electric, Portobello

A combination of sumptuous red velvet seating (with front row beds!), gilded walls and old-school lamps give Notting iconic cinema a wonderful, time-warped atmosphere.

Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Electric Cinema this weekend.

North: Where to see Fifty Shades of Grey in North London: The Everyman, Hampstead

WIth elegent decor and plush seats, Everyman Hampstead is one of London's most sumptuous cinemas. Film-buffs can choose from a wide selection of food and drink served straight to their seat.

Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Everyman, Hampstead this weekend.

East: Where to see Fifty Shades of Grey in East London: The Barbican

The Barbican’s brutalist architecture may divide opinion, but its cinema – which often hosts film festivals and plays old classics – is definitely worth a visit. There is also a generous range of discounts for 16-25s: click here to find out more.

Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the The Barbican this weekend.

South: Where to see Fifty Shades of Grey in South London: The Ritzy

Brixton's historic Ritzy is known for its relaxed atmosphere and eclectic programme of art-house films, documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters. The range of craft beers on offer make The Ritzy a cut above the rest.

Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Ritzy this weekend.

Central: Where to see Fifty Shades of Grey in Central London: The Curzon Victoria

Surreptitiously housed in this minimalist, glass-fronted building, the new Curzon Victoria looks more like a private member’s bar than a cinema. Stylishly lit, with spacious seats housed in intimate, comfortable screening rooms, it's a gem that's still relatively unknown.

Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Curzon Victoria this weekend.