works well as the first part of a trilogy

Rating: 8/10 (15 February 2015)

Initially I didn't like this movie because it didn't seem to work well as a stand-alone film. Later, however, I learned that the novel on which this movie is based is the first offering in a three part series--and it makes much more sense in that context. The stage is set well early in the movie: Jamie Dornan is Christian Grey--a successful young billionaire whose sexuality is the subject of much speculation. Dornan is believed to be gay. In truth, however, Dornan is attracted solely to women--but he finds himself completely unable to relate to women except through sadomasochistic acts. Dakota Johnson is Ana Steele--a young college student (and later graduate) who is attracted to Dornan and is willing to explore sadomasochism but requires a more complete relationship.
Although we learn more about the backgrounds of the two main characters--especially Dornan's--they do not really progress psychologically beyond this basic impasse that is established early on. Thus the movie lacks a sense of resolution, but as the opening act in a trilogy, it may work quite well. I haven't read the later books to know how things progress.
Some have characterized this movie as condoning the abuse of women but I do not necessarily see it that way. Within the limited constraints of his sexuality, Dornan is actually quite respectful to Johnson. For example, at one point he wants her to sign an elaborate "sex slave" contract. It isn't clear if she ever signs it, but she takes the opportunity to have a conversation with Dornan about her limits or boundaries--Johnson will do this and won't do that--and he seems quite accepting of her limits. He doesn't hit her outside the context of agreed-upon sadomasochistic scenes, and when she says 'no' to anything--which she does more than once--he always backs off.
At the same time, this type of relationship is too limiting for Johnson--and that psychological conflict is explored here but never fully resolved. We can, however, hope that future movies develop the story further.