If you think being an actor is the most fun work in the world, then you`re mistaken. Believe this job is one of the most difficult because an actor must transform himself, or herself, into the character they portray and convince us of that character’s existence. In order to make that happen an actor must always seek support from the other leading actor which will help both of them to achieve their main goal. Unfortunately, based on what I’ve seen in FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, Dakota Johnson received zero support from Jamie Dornan, who fails to deliver the performance, which even from a newcomer, would have been more convincing than him. If you have seen Basic Instinct with Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas, and Nine ½ Weeks with Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke, then you already know what I am talking about…

Saying that, I want to be clear here before I continue reviewing this film. I`ve read only the first 10 pages of E.L. James’ book, and that was more than enough to feel myself brutally tortured by the poor writing style of its author. However, I decided to see the film just because of my curiosity and had no desire to put my thoughts into writing. However, after I finished watching FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, I changed my mind for one simple reason, and that reason has the name of one whom I began to admire for her braveness, courageousness, open-mindness, and her ability to breathe life into one of the most boring characters ever written – Dakota Johnson.

Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) is sent by her friend to interview a young billionaire, Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) and instead falls in love with him. Surprisingly, Grey shares her feelings, but in his own, very extraordinary way. He allows Anastasia to be close to him, but on his own terms, where she must sign a unique contract first; one in which she agrees to not expose his sexual preferences to the world.  Due to her strong feelings, Anastasia considers signing the contract, but, when she enters deeper into the world of Christian Grey, she understands that she’s biting off more than she can chew.

The saddest part of the film for Dakota Johnson begins when she is left alone to carry the entire film, while Jamie Dornan`s Christian Grey slowly disappears into the shadow of an even more boring character than Anastasia Steele. However, because of the tremendous effort of Johnson, I started to feel sorry for Anastasia as she struggles alone to win the heart of Christian, who seems to not care very much. Dornan`s Grey is a heartless man, who was abused in his teenage years by an older woman, and now must hide his real feelings from Anastasia. And for one who has never read even the first ten pages of the book, one must assume, that the emotions that Dornan displays are not related to the character he plays, and are more like drinking a bad cup of coffee.

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY could have been a better film if both leading actors would have shared the pressure equally. I`ve never seen a so brutally and inexcusably left alone actor who does goes far beyond the imagination in order to meet the director’s requirements. Dakota Johnson is a real heroine who absolutely amazed me, not with her performance, but with her willingness to perform her part as convincing as possible. The failure of the film should not lie with her, as she delivers a breathtaking performance, bringing to a life character who should have never been brought up to a wide audience. Saying that, FIFTY SHADES OF GREY does not deserve even one star, but can get three only because of its leading star, Dakota Johnson, who from now on will be on my radar. And, I do wish Dornan would quit acting, as his performance was extremely disappointing.