WASHINGTON — As the credits began to roll on “50 Shades of Grey,” the tried-and-true fans out late on a Thursday night to get the first peek at the anticipated movie did not react. They didn’t clap. In fact, some laughed.
The movie billed as the hottest release of the year ended abruptly.
“That’s where the first book ends, so you’re kind of left (gasp) ‘What’s going to happen next?’ So it seems like they actually stuck with the book,” said Roshi Mehdibeigi.
But some of the fans who attended the premiere at Georgetown Loews Theaters were disappointed in the departure from the trilogy. Some commented that the characters’ personalities and back stories were not explored in the movie, leaving the big-screen version lacking.
“I feel like a lot is missing … I think in the book he was one way that wasn’t necessarily portrayed entirely in the movie. So it was hard for people to understand that,” said Amara Bunyavong.
However, other fans came out of the 125-minute movie smiling.
“I liked it. I thought it was way better than the book,” said Sarah Shlesinger.
Her husband, Ben, did not agree. “I feel like I was tortured more than Anastasia Steele was.”
A portion of the proceeds from the premiere put on by Chic Capital benefited the local charities Tigerlily, which helps young women diagnosed with breast cancer, and Touching Heart, which teaches children to give, share and respect others.
The two things that stuck with most fans was how abruptly the movie ended and the fact that you have to read the books beforehand.
“There was just no chemistry. The scenes were choppy. It was kind of difficult to understand what was happening,” said Victoria Bryan, who expected more from the film.
But fans who were not familiar with the book said it only intrigued them more.
“As a person who hasn’t read the books, I might read the next following books so I know what’s going to happen next,” Kate Cech said.
