Tuesday 17 February 2015

Not Another Fifty Shades of Grey Post

So, the whole world has an opinion on Fifty Shades at the moment. The internet is full to the brim of judgements, reviews, and flame wars, and who am I to not join in and throw in my two cents? Er, pennies. As much as I’d like to, and could, I’m not going to review the film. I’ve seen highly professional, informative and fun blogs filled with abusive comments aimed at bloggers who dared to enjoy the film, and yet the posters of these comments are the protesters campaigning the ‘Fifty Shades of Abuse’ agenda. Ironic? Maybe, but there’s a genuine fear inside me that’s stopping me from actually reviewing this seriously.

fifty-shades-of-grey-fanfiction

Not that this little hobby blog is established enough to attract such a wide audience, but to any of these protesters who may be reading? You’re actually the reason I went to the cinema last night to watch it. I read the books, I knew what the film would be about, but all the horrific things you guys came out with made me curious. And well, my curiosity got the better of me. Seriously, the PR team behind all of this deserves a medal, because they’ve done a fab job!


For the record, I enjoyed the film. It was a huge improvement on the book. Loved the soundtrack. Not a romantic masterpiece, but like I said, I read the books. It was also the most fun I’ve ever had at a cinema in terms of atmosphere and audience reactions. But this isn’t a review! That’s all I’ll say on that matter. What I really wanted to talk about is the origins of the phenomenon, and what it might mean for the future.

No, I don’t want to talk specifics about the Twilight-inspired fanfiction, I didn’t read that, but I do want to talk about fanfiction. I’ve been a part of the community for about 10 years now, it all started in secondary school when me and my friend (who will remain anonymous for my own safety, not hers) would spend our weekends co-writing a novel-length fanfiction and several shorter stories. We even created a little Yahoo Community group where we would share it with the world. Now, our stories weren’t well written at all, but we had a darn good time writing them!

archive-of-our-own-fifty-shades

I don’t write anymore, other than on this blog, but I still visit a rather wonderful site called Archive of our Own (AO3) on a weekly basis to catch up with some of my favourite fandoms. Thankfully, the majority of the writing there is far better than my own, although you can find the occasional stinker. What I love most about fanfiction is the complete removal of boundaries that are found in published books and films. These writers don’t do it for the money, they write because it’s something they love to do. I’ve read fanfiction based on film series’ that is so good I’ve actually forgotten what really happened in the films, and some based on games that I play that has completely blurred my recollection of what was ‘canon’.

The point I’m trying to make here is that Fifty Shades of Grey the film has made history by being the first film based on fanfiction (as far as I know) and at a time where the cinemas are full of sequels and comic book heroes, maybe, just maybe, we’ll get to see some of the fantastic work written by others get their own adaptations on the big screen.

14 comments:

  1. First, I had no idea this was based on fan-fiction.
    Second, I love that you posted this, even though I'm sad that you won't review the film out of fear.
    Third, everything you wrote in the first half of this post is utter brilliance!
    Fourth, I'll be linking this in my Fistful of Thoughts on Monday, despite the fact that I've already read your post.
    Fifth...I'm not really sure why I numbered these thoughts in the first place :-P

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    1. Haha! I'm glad to actually share new information for a change! I will review this at some point, it would make a really funny post, especially once Jenna has seen it too. Thank you in advance for the feature too! :D
      - Allie

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  2. Wait...50 Shades is based on fan fiction? Interesting.

    Saddened you won't review it, but I understand your point of view. Mrs. Dell and I were going to see it on Valentine's Day. Ultimately, we decided against it and went to see something else at a 2nd run theater to avoid the crowds. Well see it eventually, but not in any rush to do so.

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    1. Honestly I wish I could find that blog so I could link it for you. It was a really well written but lighthearted review of the film, but the comments section was full of remarks like 'If you liked this film then you obviously support domestic abuse' - and that was one of the nicer ones!
      People are crazy...but anyway, I hope you both enjoy it when you finally get the time. I hear the DVD will be out in just 4 months anyway!
      - Allie

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  3. I think the first film could be The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, the book was apparently based on a Harry Potter fan fiction.

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    1. Ah, I had no idea! I really do learn something new every day. Thanks! :)
      - Allie

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  4. I also liked this movie - I think people's reactions to what is ultimately silly, poorly written, erotic fiction is completely overboard. I think what people deem as abuse (I mean I can easily see where the connection is drawn, but still) is just the fallout of an unskilled writer. And I think it's ridiculous that people can't enjoy something for the escapism without making claims that anyone who enjoys it supports abuse or that this movie will lead to people being abused. Especially since the movie is a lot less deserving of abuse comparisons than the book.

    I'd actually like to read your review but I understand not wanting to deal with fielding hateful comments.

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    1. Thanks Jess! I also can see where people are drawing the connection, but you know a comment back to them with 'But have you seen the movie? They really toned those parts down!' just won't go down well at all.
      Plus, it deserves some sort of recognition for it's soundtrack alone which is amazing.
      I'll definitely do a full review at some point, but perhaps when all the hype has gone down. Thanks for stopping by!
      - Allie

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  5. Love this post (and AO3 is a far superior site to fanfiction.net if I may say so)

    There are some fics I've read that I do think ended up being far better than their source material. (I.E: A lot of True Blood ones) so maybe some other lucky writer will get something of the sort adapted.

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    1. I think I started at FF.net and that place was scary at times, haha! I'm glad I'm not the only one who turns to fics :)
      - Allie

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  6. It's a shame you decided not to review FSoG. I have no desire to read or see it, because it really is not my cup of tea, but I have been following other peoples' reviews with interest. That's part of what I love about the book blog world -- I get to vicariously experience enjoyment of things I don't go for. I hope that made sense. Anyway, I totally understand your point of view -- not reviewing it because of all the hate. Why deal with all that nonsense? :-)

    I have never read or written fan fiction, bit I do get the appeal. I sometimes find myself thinking about fictional characters and playing with different scenarios in my head. It would be interesting to see other novels launched based on fan fiction.

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    1. I think we'll definitely review it once the flames have died down, it'll be such a fun one to write! Plus Jenna hasn't seen it yet, so I reckon we'll team up for a review once she has.
      You absolutely make sense, I've followed the hype from all sorts of films that I've never actually gone and seen, and there's been films that I have seen solely because the blogging world has sung it's praises. It's a great little community!
      - Allie

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  7. Didn't see it but the soundtrack impressed me. You raise an interesting point about fan fiction.

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    1. I do shamelessly have the soundtrack in my car, it's a good one :)
      - Allie

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