Perhaps the trickiest adaptation cooking in Hollywood at the moment is the big screen version of “Fifty Shades Of Grey.” Yes, the fan fiction turned erotica bestseller film adaptation will likely increase handcuff sales, but the question is, who should direct? While there has been lots of rumors on the casting front, we’ve only really heard about Gus Van Sant making a pitch for the gig by shooting a test sex scene with Alex Pettyfer, but a few more names have popped up.
According to THR, Joe Wright is the frontrunner to direct the movie, which is a fairly surprising choice. Or is it? While the helmer is known for his dramas like “Atonement,” “Pride & Prejudice” and “Anna Karenina,” he’s also dipped into action with “Hanna” and whatever that was with “The Soloist.” So Wright taking on a sexually-charged S&M romance is intriguing we suppose, and we’d certainly be curious how he employs his customary long, single take….
Now it should be noted there are no offers or deals signed yet, but with Bennett Miller and Patty Jenkins also named as contenders, Focus and Universal are aiming for someone with an arthouse-ish sensibility. Good thing or bad thing? Does it matter? There are so many other factors (the script by Kelly Marcel, and yes, the casting) that prove decisive in a genre that’s tough to pull off and land both a critical and audience success (and considering the studio is already in the hole for $5 million just for the rights, they’re going to want this to be a hit).
Frankly, while we’d rather see Wright do anything else, we have to admit the prospect of him doing this is intriguing…thoughts?