I’ve been trying to avoid this topic, on the whole. Yes, it’s That Film, based on That Book. 50 Shades of Grey.
And there is one main reason that I’ve not talked about my opinion on the film. And that is that I really don’t have much of an opinion. But it seems that to some people, that’s not an acceptable answer, so I’m writing this as my answer to them.
No, I’ve not seen the film. No, I don’t plan on seeing the film. I’ve read the books (well, the first book and half of the second), and I didn’t enjoy them. Based on that, and the fact that I don’t enjoy romance films, I have no interest in seeing the film. I am not actively boycotting the film because of it’s themes, but equally the fact that it has spanking and kink in it doesn’t mean that as a kinkster I have to go and see the film.
I am not seeing 50 Shades of Grey for the same reason I’m not seeing SpongeBob: Sponge Out of Water or Hot Tub Time Machine 2. The film simply doesn’t appeal to me.
I’m not some kind of “kink hipster” who thinks that I’m better because I was into spanking “before it was cool”, as I’ve been accused of today. I’m not pissed off that there’s a mainstream film been made about my “special interest” – both Preaching to the Perverted and The Secretary were pretty mainstream films about bdsm. I actually think that if the book and the film allow people to explore their sexuality in a way they hadn’t thought about before, then it’s a very good thing. But I don’t make a habit of spending my money going to see things that I know I’m not going to enjoy.
So – if you want to go and see the film, that’s great, go see it and enjoy it. If you don’t want to see it, stay home and spend your time on something else! But don’t ask me to cast judgement on people for their choice.