The global film phenomenon that is "50 Shades of Grey" grossed approximately half a billion dollars worldwide, became a cultural staple almost immediately after its release, and promoted the sometimes taboo topic of sex within our prudish contemporary mainstream. Despite its receipt of negative reviews from critics, the film, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and based on the novel by E.L. James, has clearly managed some crazy enormous success. Of course, with any such extravagant triumph comes even greater personal sacrifices, which may be the reason why Taylor-Johnson opted out of directing the sequel "50 Shades Darker." (Hey! That's a lot for one woman to handle and she definitely has balls of steel for doing it in the first place!!) But now we're all left with the question of who's gonna direct the next 50 Shades feature, so I took it upon myself to make a few suggestions.
As I embarked on my list of potential directors to helm the next 50 Shades film, one question plagued me: should these directors be male or female? As I thought and thought and thought, I came to the conclusion that they should all be female. And I’m not just saying that because I am a feminist and believe that women should have more of a voice in the current filmmaking culture, but I’m speaking on behalf of Dakota Johnson and I would just feel super creeped out if I had another man gazing at me googly-eyed behind the camera in addition to the already kinda creepy Christian in front of it. So here's my list and I hope you enjoy. Please let me know if you have any of your own suggestions!!
Our dear rebel queen Madonna certainly has no fear when it comes to the projects she embarks on, making her a perfect fit for the "50 Shades Darker" director's seat. Her previous work in 2008's "Filth and Wisdom", a tale about three roommates surviving in London - one a male dominatrix, one a pole dancer, and the other a pharmaceutical assistant, and then in 2011's "W.E.", a story retelling the love affair between King Edward VIII and his mistress Wallis Simpson, proves that she's unafraid to tackle any love story with a dirty twist. I would love to see what she could come up with in a 50 Shades film.
Miriam Kruishoop is a relative newcomer, gracing us with her filmmaking presence in 2013's"Crosstown," a tale of the American Dream and the setbacks, obstacles, and trials faced by those immigrating into the United States. Though the premise of "Crosstown" varies greatly from any story line in the 50 Shades trilogy, Kruishoop's portrayal of the dynamic between a dominant system against an inferior one, or one that is forced into submission, is definitely a thematic element she could bring to the 50 Shades table.
Rebecca Thomas is known for her work in 2009's "Nobody Knows You, Nobody Gives a Damn", 2012's "Electrick Children", and 2015's "Las Vegas, West". Out of the three, her directorial work in Electrick Children, about a young Mormon girl who believes she lost her innocence to a rock and roll god, makes Thomas a perfect fit for a film in which a naive waif is shown the sexual ropes (no pun intended) by a contemporary Greek god. Thomas could certainly knock out a 50 Shades film, and I'm sure it would be one to watch.
Ana Lily Amirpour blew us all away in "A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night" proving that she's fearless in the face of sexual innuendos, hardcore actor gazing, and an even more intense sexual atmosphere (while still promoting a very feminist perspective - girl crush? YES). The notion that sometimes power lies in those who are more seemingly submissive, or subordinate for that matter, yet still have an ability to exert dominance is very intriguing. I think she could really bring some crazy feminist energy to the character of Ana, and, who knows, maybe she'll be the one putting Christian in his place the next film...
Anja Marquardt's most recent work in "She's Lost Control," about a young surrogate and how she deals, understands, and defines sex, proves that she can definitely deal with characters who have issues when it comes to intercourse and how they need contracts when it comes to actually doing it, whether written or unwritten (um, hello Christian?). I'm really skirting around the spoilers, but yes, in "She's Lost Control" the main girl also requires a contract when it comes to the act of procreation. Marquardt could certainly handle the complexities and complications of the characters in 50 Shades.
So there you have it! My list of directors to helm the upcoming "50 Shades Darker" - please let me know if you think I've missed anyone out and don't be shy about voicing your own, unique opinion on the ones I've listed!
And, as always,
THANKS FOR READING!! x
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