'Fifty Shades of Grey' Director: Working With EL James Was "Really, Really Frustrating" (Q&A)

Hollywood Reporter ^

[Perdogg]

Like Fifty Shades of Grey's Anastasia Steele, Sam Taylor-Johnson was a wide-eyed innocent—she'd directed only one feature, 2009 indie Nowhere Boy—when she got hired to direct the much-anticipated big-screen adaptation of EL James' phenomenally successful erotic novel. But during an 18-month whirlwind ride, Taylor-Johnson explored the world of S&M, overcame casting troubles (Dakota Johnson stars opposite Irish actor Jamie Dornan, who replaced Charlie Hunnam) and endured daily battles with the book's highly opinionated author. Ahead of the film's Feb. 11 premiere at Berlinale, the 47-year-old British director and mother of four (she's married to actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson) reveals all the bruises, battles and benefits of working on one of Hollywood's hottest projects.

[flaglady47]

I read a couple of excerpts of the book, somewhere. The writing was childish and atrocious. This is going to be one of those few times when the movie is going to be better than the book, mark my words.

[Nifster]

I read a few pages at the beginning and a few at the end ( always what I do when reading a new author). Handed the book back to the person that loaned it to me and said “Uhhhh, no thanks. I don’t waste my time on things that poorly written.” They were astonished but I guess they don’t know me very well

[sheana]

I’ve never picked up the book and have absolutely no desire to see the movie....but if Charlie Hunnam was in it I would at least be tempted. lol