Master of the Universe versus Fifty Shades Movie by E.L James

If you thought that Erica James’ literary aspirations have only seen the light of day in the form of her ‘Fifty Shades’ trilogy, you are not entirely correct. We say, entirely, because most of us might not have heard the name Snowqueens Icedragon. It was her pseudonym, till she decided to abbreviate her name to E.L. James and write the first instalment of her ‘Fifty Shades....’ trilogy. Under her pseudonym, Snowqueens Icedragon, she wrote another fan fiction, which went on to become the foundation of her most commercially successful literary creation.

Though most of us now know that ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ started as a fan fiction, quite on the lines of Twilight, a love story between a human girl and a vampire boy, written by Stephanie Meyer. The ‘Twilight’ series have also been adapted into films, which again have been commercially viable. But even as we sit and discuss the similarities that might have existed between ‘Twilight’ and ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, there is another novel by E.L. James which has to be considered when drawing parallels.

Entitled ‘Master of the Universe’ or MotU, this novel bears a stark resemblance to ‘Fifty Shades....’ and hence it can be concluded that it formed a foundation on which the successful high-rise of ‘Fifty Shades...’ was constructed. When we take a close look at both the novels, we will hardly miss the ingenious and watermark left on the pages by the author, E.L. James. Since both MotU and ‘Fifty...’ rely heavily on each other, and have elements which have been borrowed from ‘Twilight’ as well, there are chances, that the faithful readers of all the three novels will be able to draw the necessary comparisons.

To start off with the comparisons ourselves, we can easily say that some characters and the traits they display along with the relationship they share, are the same, or in the least identical in both ‘Master of the Universe’ and FSoG, or ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. The name Bella Swan will of course ring bells, (thanks to Twilight) and that very same name was also used in MotU, but was thankfully changed to Anastasia Steele in FSoG.

Even if you have not read the novel (too bad, actually), you will know that she is one of the lead characters, ion both the novel and the film, the other lead character being Christian Grey, who was Edward Cullen in both Meyer’s ‘Twilight’ and Snowqueens Icedragon’s ‘Master of the...’. Apart from the major characters and their names and relationships which have been touched upon and changed, the back stories of how the characters met, and other events are also strikingly dissimilar.

Hence, you can’t read Twilight and expect to catch a glimpse of ‘Fifty Shades...’ and ‘Master of the Universe’ and vice-versa. Though there are elements that these three novels share since they follow the fan fiction mode, each has its own unique flavour and charm and you just have to have your own copy to see it for yourself.

Dakota Johnson gets her chance to shine in new Fifty Shades of Grey poster

When we talk about a love story or a relationship based on BDSM, we have to remember that there are two people and two approaches to it. Take the case of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. There would not be love story or a BDSM inspired relationship if there was no submissive Ana to a dominant Christian. They are like this perfect foil to each other and almost like his yin to her yang, or vice versa. Hence, when it comes to portraying this subtle difference between who is a dominant partner in the relationship and who is the submissive partner, most of the times the body language of the actors and the expressions matter the most.
“Fifty Shades...” is not a novel, and a film, that merely touches upon these issues, but the characters have been penned in such a way that the tension between them is infectious and is evident in the posters as well. Case in point is the new still or poster which has been released. But just because we have a new poster does not mean that we will forget the old poster! Both the posters are important to analyse this subtle difference between Dakota’s submissive Ana and Jamie’s dominant Grey.
If the first poster celebrated the machismo and the masculinity of Christian Grey, the second poster reminded us of Anastasia’s coyness and vulnerability. For all those who remember seeing the first poster, they will remain that a suited Janie Dornan (As Christian Grey) standing with his back to us, hands nestled inside the front pockets of his trousers and looking out if the floor to ceiling window in his office at Grey Enterprises. In the novel the setting of all the action is Seattle, and though the film has been shot in Vancouver, in the poster, Grey (Dornan) looks over the Seattle skyline.

The poster reeks of Christian Grey’s love for power and control. It is this controlling streak in him that helps him seduce a naive and shy college graduate Anastasia Steele into becoming his submissive partner. On the other hand, since there cannot be a Christian without Ana, that is, there cannot be a dominant partner without a submissive one; the second poster is a revelation of this complex and emotionally draining relationship that Ana shares with Grey.

In the second poster of Fifty Shades Movie, this comes with the caption “One Year? Valentine’s Day 2015”, Ana can be seen standing timidly at the entrance of Grey’s cabin/office with a file/paper. A man, presumably Grey is seen again with his back to us. If the first poster carried the option “Mr. Grey Will See You Now”, this poster also seems like a continuation of that thought. Actually, Ana is there on some business, as she has to take the self made entrepreneur’s interview for the college paper. Although she is shown as a student who has majored in English literature, it is her friend and roommate Kate, who was scheduled to take the interview, but was indisposed, in her absence, Ana, slips into her shoes and comes to take Grey’s interview and this chance encounter, changes both their lives. 

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Mysterious '50 Shades of Grey' character Christian Grey was based on Italian real estate agent

Although Christian Grey might be a fictional character, there is ample reason for us to believe that there is a flesh and blood inspiration in real life behind this self made entrepreneur. A new fact has surfaced about the “Fifty Shades...” according to which the inspiration behind the dark and brooding Christian Grey is actually a 39 year old real estate agent. The real estate agent, Alessandro Proto is, like Grey, a self made billionaire and has even helped celebrities like Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Madonna find their dream homes.

Now, you must be wondering, how does Erica James feature in all this? She actually met the enigmatic businessman back in 2010, which one year before her erotic novel, The Fifty Shades of Grey, hit the market and became a phenomenal success. She met Proto in Italy, when she was touring the country to gather information about celebrities and their love for property in Italy. During that time, James and Proto spent two days together when they toured from Milan to Lake Como.

When the real estate agent/ businessman was quizzed about him being the inspiration behind the fictional Christian Grey, Proto could actually draw up a list of similarities. For starters, he revealed that the name of the company Grey owns is named Grey Enterprise Holding, whereas, the name of the company Alessandro Proto owns is Proto Organization Holding. The similarity does not end here, as the real estate agent added that when he met Erica James back in 2010, he drove an Audi R8 and readers do not have to be reminded that Christian Grey too, owns an Audi R8 Spyder.

When talking about the metaphorical similarities between him and Fifty Shades Movie Christian Grey, Proto adds that his office on the eight floor of the building, which is the top most floor and when it comes to success, though every knows the destination both Proto and Grey have reached but they do not know anything about the journey that they have had to undertake. But if you think that like all these similarities, there is also a BDSM-loving streak in Proto, you might be a little discouraged.

When specifically asked about the red room of pain, which is definitely one of the main attractions of the novel, Proto adds that it was all made up; he is an old fashioned guy. Erica James’ imagination has a lot to do with the red room of pain in the trilogy she penned. One other factor that is probably a similarity between him and Grey is that, like his fictional counterpart, proto too is media shy and does not interact too much with the media. This is very similar to the successful entrepreneur Grey portrays on the pages of the novels and now the screen, and it also contributes to the enigmatic and mysterious quality of the character.

Ever since Proto has been named directly as the inspiration behind the lead character, he has revealed how work mail has been flooded with indecent proposals. Visibly annoyed, Proto has said that his main purpose in life is to be a businessman and he does not like to be embroiled in media and showbiz. Are you listening, Erica? 

50 Shades Of Grey' Movie Rumours: Katie Cassidy to Join ‘Fifty Shades’ Cast As Leila?

When it is the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie franchise, we are talking about there is never a dull moment. And if the constant cast changes, we mean additions are your cup of tea, you are going to love this latest bit. Erica James, the creator of the erotic novel trilogy “Fifty Shades...” has teased her fans and readers yet again with a new picture she tweeted on the social networking site, Twitter. In the picture, a certain Katie Cassidy can be seen posing with her legs pulled up to her chest in glasses and a white top. In another picture that the author shared, the American actress known for her roles in ‘Arrow’, ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Melrose Place’ can be seen pouting for the shutterbug with her brunette locks and pink puckers.

Some sources have revealed that the actress will be seen in the role of Leila Williams in the movie adaptation of the novel, and she would most definitely be an eyeful attraction to join the cast lately. The cast, which now boasts of the likes of Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden and English songstress Rita Ora has also seen a hunk like Charlie Hunnam being replaced by another hunk Jamie Dornan. But if you are stricken by the resemblance Katie Cassidy has with our very own Anastasia Steele, Dakota Johnson; don’t think that she is being replaced. If they look so similar, the reason is that they play characters in the novel and the movie, which are very similar to each other.

For all those, who have not read the novel, it might interest you to know that Leila Williams is the ex flame of Christian Grey’s life, and before Ana came into his life, our Mr. Grey was busy with Leila for two and a half years, till she left him for her husband. But she does not stay true her husband too, for she leaves him for her lover Geoff, who is unfortunately killed in an accident. The repercussions of this accident and Geoff’s death are so severe on Leila that she is driven insane and has a mental showdown.

If the new teasing pics are to be confirmed, then Katie Cassidy will definitely be seen in the movie adaptation, but some sources have pointed to the possibility that the actress might also be seen in the role of Mrs. Robinson aka Elena. The “Fifty Shades...” franchise is somewhat unimaginable without Elena. If your memory serves you well, you will remember that the most coveted and the priced role of Mrs. Robinson is still up for grabs after it was rumoured that the likes of Rose McGowan and Katie Holmes have been considered in the role of the dominatrix who opened up and mentored Christian Grey to develop a penchant for BDSM.

Though nothing has been confirmed so far, we can only expect the best of the cast and crew to join the franchise and for definitive information regarding this, waiting for 13^th February 2015 makes sense. 

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’50 Shades of Grey’ Movie: Rita Ora Hints That Erotic Film will ‘Shock’ Fans

When it comes to the “Fifty Shades....” movie adaptation, we already know that the novel written by Erica James is being adapted for the big screen. But while we are waiting for the film to see the light of the day, there is also a lot of hoopla around it while the film is being shot in Vancouver. By now there has been a lot of development surrounding the shooting of this movie and the latest one to surface is the one where Rita Ora has said that this movie will ‘shock’ fans. It is true that this film can very well shock its fans and followers. But Rita Ora has allegedly hinted that there will be a big twist in the tail of this movie that will leave fans and followers with a big gasp.

Rita Ora was the most recent member to have been inducted as the member of the cast of this adaptation, which boasts of the likes of an Oscar winner like Marcia Gay Harden and others like Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. The film is among Rita Ora’s first major breaks, though she has previously appeared in ‘Spivs’ and ‘Fast and Furious 6’. In the movie, the English singer and songwriter plays the role of Mia Grey, the adopted sister of the titular character, Christian Grey. If you have caught a glimpse of the official poster of this erotic love story which releases on the 13^th of February 2015, you will know which Mr. Grey we are referring to.

He is the same Grey who can be seen in the poster standing with his back to the audience in a sharp suit, looking out into the Seattle skyline from a window in his office. The caption of the poster reads, ‘Mr. Grey Will See You Now’. Those who have read the novel will know that this line is a direct reference to the time when Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson meets this cold and deep billionaire for the first time in his office, where she goes to take his interview. From there on starts an unusual love story between these two which borders on BDSM lovemaking and non-disclosure statements.

Rita Ora was among the last few actors to make her way to Vancouver where the film is being shot braving the weather and all. Dakota and Jamie have already started their leg of the shooting and the pictures straight from the site of the shoot give us enough promise to look forward to this 201 Valentine’s Day release. The onlookers on the set have said that the lead pair shares an awesome chemistry and some have even said that Jamie Dornan is actually overprotective of Dakota! When it comes to shocking audiences, there is enough material already in the book, and we are definitely referring to the racy lovemaking sequences. 

Fifty Shades of Grey sets up shop for saucy scene in Ladner

With fans and followers of the erogenous thriller “Fifty Shades of Grey” waiting eagerly for the film version to hit screens on the 13th of February 2015, and the shooting also underway in Canada, setting up the hardware store on the set was only a matter of time. If you have already read the novels, or not, you would know that the hardware store, which is called Clayton’s in the novel, serves as an important setting and location in both the novel and the movie.

 Having already shot the crucial ‘contract scene’ and the ‘cafe scene’ in Vancouver, the team of “Fifty Shades....” is now ready to shoot the hardware store scene on Ladner. The scene will be the second meeting between Ana and Grey, their first meeting being the interview that the naive college graduate had to take on behalf of her roommate Kate being sick. Clayton’s and Ana are also linked as the hardware store serves as her place of employment, part-time so what. In the novel, Erica James writes the scene describing how the self made billionaire and BDSM fetishist, Christian Grey goes to the shop looking to buy masking tape, rope and cable ties.

The scene follows the first interaction that the protagonists have with each other when the college graduate and virginal beauty Anastasia Steele had gone to take his interview on behalf of her friend and roommate Kate, who was supposed to take his interview, but could not as she was indisposed. In the novel, Clayton’s is located in the Portland area and the team of “Fifty Shades...” is busy recreating the ambience of this hardware store in Vancouver. Though now it is clear that the director of this venture, Sam Taylor-Johnson is not shooting the scenes in the order they appear in the novel, any scene that she shoots, along with the cast and the crew, will always be the focal point of movie lovers and the lovers of “Fifty Shades...” 

Is Kristin Chenoweth Joining The 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Cast?

When we heard that the Tony and Primetime Emmy Award winning actress, Kristin Chenoweth was seen at the Vancouver airport, and was rumoured to be a part of the cast of “Fifty Shades of Grey”, we just had to find out more. After all, with a movie adaptation like that of “Fifty Shades of Grey”, where cast changes, entries and exits seem to be the order of the day, adding or subtracting a celebrity name here and there, is no problem. Not that we are complaining, it would not harm if in fact, a multifaceted talent like Kristin Chenoweth was indeed a part of the adaptation.

But on delving deep into the real reason of her appearance on the sets of the film shooting we found out something completely unexpected. Instead of being a cast of the movie adaptation of the raunchy and erotic thriller written by Erica James, Chenoweth is there to support her boyfriend! Now, you must be wondering, who is the lucky guy and do we know him? We do know, but he does not appear in front of the camera as much as he is useful and important behind the scenes. He is Dana Brunetti, who serves as one of the producers of the adaptation. Now can you guess how important a role he has to play in the scheme of things? After all, he is one of the producers and Kristin as the producer’s girl will definitely have first hand access to all shooting details.

The actress and singer is so fond of the trilogy that she has openly admitted that anything related to Christian Grey is fine with her. She was of course talking about a favourite she has, that she would love to see being shot. The actress and singer, known for her role in “Glee” on television and “Steel Pier” and “Wicked” on Broadway will stop by the sets of “Glee” to celebrate the 100^th episode of the television series. Kristin Chenoweth is not the only celebrity who has been rumoured to be a part of the film adaptation of the novel written by E.L. James.

British T.V. actor Charlie Hunnam was the first actor to be selected as the BDSM loving self made billionaire, Christian Grey, first. But after he walked out of the project, citing his commitment to his T.V. series, “Sons of Anarchy”, many known faces were up for grabs to play the role of the businessman with a penchant for pain induced pleasure. The likes of Ryan Gosling, Robert Pattinson, Ian Somerhalder, and Matt Bomer among others were considered for the role. And not only the student, the role of the teacher (figuratively, of course) is still undecided.

If you are wondering how and when did 50 Shades Movie become a teacher-student saga, let us assure you that we are referring to the character of Mrs. Robinson, who, in the novel is Grey’s confidante, make that a much older confidante, (for she was also Grey’s mother’s friend), and introduced him to the dark pleasures of BDSM. It was rumoured earlier on in the casting process that she would be played by the likes of Katie Holmes and Rose McGowan; we are still waiting for a confirmation.

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