Fifty Shades of Grey made various changes in the unrated version, which would have likely prevented it from releasing in theaters. In 2015, Universal Studios released a movie version of the controversial erotica book Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. The book and film were promoted to be accurate representations of BDSM, with many people heading to the theaters to see the risqué love story of Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). Unfortunately, Christian and the Fifty Shades series are deeply problematic and are inaccurate pictures of the BDSM community. Moreover, the films handled serious topics with little care.
Many hoped the unrated version of Fifty Shades of Grey would rectify these issues. Throughout the unrated version of the film, we get many scenes that don’t add or subtract from the film. They simply show zoomed-out or panned shots that make nudity more graphic. This is fine for the adult audience; it comes down to subjective preference. However, the film also changes and adds some scenes. The scenes mostly present Christian as a more toxic and controlling individual. It furthers the concern that the film romanticizes abuse.
Ana and Christian’s First Sex Scene Is Longer
Ana closes her eyes as she and Christian’s faces get close before kissing in Fifty Shades of Grey.
In Fifty Shades of Grey, Christian decides to “rectify the situation” when he learns Ana’s never had sex before. In the unrated version, the camera uses wider shots that make the scene only last for seconds longer. For instance, many of the shots focus more on Ana’s body, the sex scene is a lot more charged, and the filmmakers seemed to pay particular attention to the mirror on the ceiling as well. Although the other changes in this scene are mostly benign, the mirror shot is the only one that could have changed the viewers’ perception of the story as the mirror, combined with his other behaviors, seemed to hint at his controlling and abusive nature.
More Footage of Ana With Christian’s Contract Voiceover
Ana and Christian speak about the contract over computer in Fifty Shades of Grey.
Another scene that wasn’t present in the theatrical version was Ana having drinks with her coworkers. In this scene, viewers will see Ana having one drink with her friends while Christian’s voice speaks overlays the shot, stating how “The submissive will not drink to excess.” While both versions include her getting drunk earlier in the film, the addition of this shot implies drinking is a more normal activity for Ana. As such, the contract is altering her typical behavior.The unrated version of Fifty Shades of Grey also shows Ana exercising during the voiceover about contraception, eating, and her physical well-being. The combination of the unrated version’s script and visuals implies Christian wants control over Ana’s bodily autonomy.Voiceover About Punishment
A split image showing an angry Christian Grey on the left and Ana standing by floggers on the right.
The voiceover in the unrated version of Fifty Shades of Grey also adds an addendum about punishment. It states that the dominant can use flogging, whipping, and physical punishment on the submissive at will. Although questions can be asked about other sexual activities, this demand is extremely concerning as it is a mandatory contract requirement. The additional statement does not consider the fact that a person should be able to withdraw consent at any time for any reason and taking that away is inherently abusive. Moreover, Christian seems to want Ana to comply with his actions minus any emotion or hesitation.
Ana’s Post-Run Sex Scene With Christian Is Longer
This face shot shows Ana’s face blindfolded by her shirt on the bed.
The post-run sex scene is also longer in the unrated version of Fifty Shades of Grey. In that scene, Ana jokingly turns down Christian when he presses her on her research, deciding to go for a run and do the laundry. However, when she comes back she returns to an angry Christian in her apartment. The two then proceed to have sex.
The changes to this scene include Christian waiting a second longer to initiate physical contact after tying Ana up and blindfolding her. The scene is also a lot more sexually charged, with Christian choosing to explore other kinks (such as sensory deprivation, bondage, and temperature play). It’s another change that is quite important since Ana, once again, hasn’t agreed to the contract terms, which isn’t an accurate representation of BDSM culture and further perpetuates stigmas against the community.
Christian Drives Ana Home From Graduation
Christian speaks to Ana at her graduation on stage in Fifty Shades of Grey.
The unrated version of Fifty Shades of Grey makes another significant change to the story as it shows Ana’s anxieties. After Ana agrees to explore BDSM culture after Christian presses her for an answer at her graduation, Christian o
