What’s More Romantic—the ‘Fifty Shades’ Books or the Movie?

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_____________ Guest Post: by Erin Jacobsen

There is no denying that Fifty Shades of Grey has become a worldwide phenomenon, especially given its recent premier in theaters. Even months before its release, you could not watch TV without coming across a trailer, or chat with your girlfriends without someone gushing over the erotic romance.

For those of you who haven’t experienced the story, the constant attention the series garnered has probably piqued your curiosity. But before you indulge in a firsthand account of what it has to offer, the question is which one is right for you—the books or the movie? Despite having the same storyline, the two offer very different experiences.

Books certainly have benefits that movies cannot provide. They offer an in-depth and extensive experience. The characters are created in your own image, meaning they have the chemistry and appearance you create for them in your own imagination.

Books also offer their own solutions for unorthodox date nights. According to Adam & Eve, reading suggestive novels out loud with your partner can be a romantic way to spend the night. They also note that it is a surefire way to get you both in the mood for wherever the night leads. Take turns reading how the main characters celebrate every inch of one another, and you might be inspired to do the same.

Of course, some people just aren’t interested in reading, or don’t have enough free time to devote to the pages every night. For those people, the movie offers a 125-minute alternative.

The Washington Post said the film serves as the ideal way to reignite excitement for the romance genre. Instead of being corny and laughable, it sweeps audiences off their feet by being sexy.

Senior analyst Paul Dergarabedian, of the Rentrak data research firm, said in the Post article that “People might debate whether ‘Fifty Shades’ is really a romance, but what it does is give audiences something new and edgier that they haven’t seen before with the very basic elements of romantic tension and flirtation that will appeal to date night audiences and girls night audiences too.”

However, truth be told, the film isn’t fairing well among audiences as a whole, with a big reason being the chemistry between the actors on the screen. Actually, it’s the lack of chemistry. At the time of writing this article, audiences on Rotten Tomatoes have given the film a 49 percent rating. It is even worse from the critics, who come in at a paltry 25 percent.

Personally, I recommend reading the novels before watching the movie. People tend to enjoy novels more than their film adaptations. The slow build of of the novels is a better way to dip your toes in the Fifty Shades pool as compared to jumping in headfirst with the film.

You may find that either or both versions inspire the inner romantic in you, and your partner.

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*Erin Jacobsen is a freelance writer from Arlington, Virginia. She specializes in topics on literature, health, and relationships.

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