It is one of the most successful literary series of the XNUMXth century. The first issue published in 2011 left behind the record for the fastest-selling paperback, up to that point in the hands of Harry Potter.
50 shades of gray it's one of those sagas, both the written and the cinematographic, of which we are going to talk for a long time.
From Fanfiction to Best Seller
Despite the impressive numbers left by the four books published so far, many critics and avid readers are not very satisfied that this universe carries the adjective of "literary".
Its writer, the British Erika Leonard Mitchel, known publicly under the pseudonym EL James, is questioned about the fact that she did not write an original story. 50 shades of gray was born as a "fanfiction" of Twilight, another series of books as successful with the public, as questioned by critics.
Even in the early texts, the main characters were named Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. But the derived story had such an impact that it soon grew, gaining independence and its own identity.
On occasion Stephenie Meyer herself had something to say about Mr. Gray. The author of the saga Twilight He noted that while the erotic genre was not his strong suit, he considered the work written by James based on his work to be "great."
Viral marketing
After shaking the public on several fanfiction websites, James released his story through his own site; the impact was quick. The rumor about a story with high erotic content BDSM spread like wildfire.
All this caught the attention of small publishing houses, who noticed in this new universe a great business opportunity. The Australian The Winters' Coffee Shop managed to win the first distribution rights. It was released as an electronic book and in print-on-demand format.
No budget to advance a promotional media campaign, its success was due exclusively to “word of mouth”. Many marketing and advertising experts coined him the nickname of the editorial first big viral marketing hit.
Porn for moms?
Once it has become a Best Seller and known in practically every continent, news agencies rated it as "porn for moms". This was because studies showed that the bulk of the readers were married women, older than 30 years.
As it seems to be natural when this class of cultural products have a great social impact, the controversies around 50 shades of gray they have always been around. Banned and censored in some places; questioned for showing a submissive and slave image of women with respect to sex.
Although there are also those who celebrate their irruption in the collective imagination. For some sexologists, this reading aroused in many women, the sexual desire that they kept forgotten. They consider that women needed to fantasize, as well as to enter an erotic, almost pornographic world, destined exclusively for them.
50 shades of gray at the cinema
It didn't take long for the adventures of Mr. Gray and the clueless Anastasia Steele to hit the big screen.. As soon as the bomb exploded, several Hollywood studios and production houses went after the rights to shoot the story.
Finally, Focus Facture obtained the production licenses and Universal Studios the marketing and distribution licenses. Part of the deal allowed James to secure some creative control within the film.
Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam were recruited for the starring roles.. Then the fans made themselves felt strongly. Although the women's team did not generate, at least initially, neither cold nor heat, the rejection in the Hunnam election generated an almost unanimous rejection.
Just before filming began, the actor himself would announce in a statement that, due to scheduling problems, he was forced to resign from the character. Jamie Dornan was announced instead and with it the waters seemed to subside.
An instant hit
Under the direction of the semi-unknown Sam Taylor Johnson. And with a budget, high for an erotic film, of 40.000.000 US $, Valentine's weekend 2015 premiered in the main global markets 50 shades of gray, the movie.
More than 500 million dollars of collection worldwide certified an expected success. Viewers, despite some disappointment at how “sweetened” the erotic sequences were, praised the work. And almost unsurprisingly, the critics "trashed" the film with their opinions.
The most questioned aspects, in addition to an absolutely flat script, was the acting work of Johnson and Dornan. This despite the fact that, for the fans, they staged the perfect representation of the characters written by James.
50 shades darker
Exactly two years later, on Valentine's weekend 2017, the second part was released, 50 shades darker. Sam Taylor Johnson withdrew from directing, after constant creative differences with EL James, the "owner" of the story. In his place, James Foley was appointed. Veteran New York filmmaker, with more than 10 titles in his career, but without any notable critical or public success.
Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan repeated their characters. The casting was joined by a veteran actress who in 1986 scandalized the world with 9 and a half weeks, an erotic film too risque for the time. The Oscar winner, Kim Basinger.
The result was a more low-key blockbuster (just over $ 380 million worldwide). It was a film celebrated by fans of the literary saga and wasted by specialized critics.
50 Shades Freed
The Mr. Gray trilogy is completed with 50 Shades Freed. Again, Valentine's weekend is the one chosen for the worldwide launch. James Foley returns as director, as do Johnson and Dornan as leads.
Not much more to add. Unless maybe this will be the last time we see on any screen the sexual-moral dramas of the Gray-Steele couple. Either in a movie theater, in TV series format or through a streaming service.
At least, it will still be pending the adaptation of Grey, the last book published by James. This volume does not add much to the story, except that everything is told from the perspective of the twisted and controversial male protagonist.
Image Sources: Wiki 50 Shades of Gray / Fashion Click