Whiskey, Sex Scenes & On-Set Drama: Behind the Scenes
The second installment of the globally popular erotic romance series, Fifty Shades of Grey, titled Fifty Shades Darker, brought significant changes both in front of and behind the camera. The production was marked by creative conflicts, a demanding physical transformation for the lead actor, and unique pre-scene rituals employed by the stars. The making of this blockbuster reveals a number of behind-the-scenes details.
Behind-the-Scenes Shifts
Following the first film, original director Sam Taylor Johnson chose not to return, citing frequent disagreements with E. L. James, the author of the source material. James reportedly held studio-granted final approval over all details, leading to frustration among the film crew and ultimately Johnson’s departure.
James Foley stepped in as director, establishing a positive working relationship with James and ultimately helming the third film in the trilogy. Further control was consolidated by having Niall Leonard, the author of the subsequent screenplays, also be the husband of E. L. James.
Jamie Dornan’s Physical Transformation
Actor Jamie Dornan underwent extensive preparation for his role as Christian Grey. He had only five weeks to train before the first film and was unsatisfied with the results. For Fifty Shades Darker, he dedicated nearly two years to training, significantly increasing his muscle mass. Responding to audience feedback, filmmakers allowed him to maintain his signature stubble.
Dornan eschewed traditional weightlifting, opting to showcase his fitness through a challenging gymnastic feat on a horse. He performed a pose holding his body horizontally, supported only by his arm strength – a skill he previously demonstrated on television.
Producers aimed to portray a more imposing Christian Grey. A poster from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was displayed in Grey’s room. According to Dornan, “We wanted Christian to come across as tougher. I wanted him to be physically more imposing in this film and to show that he can take care of himself and that he can be a bit rough. So the idea that he’s interested in Ultimate Fighting made sense.”
Unique On-Set Rituals
The filming of intimate scenes required a specific approach from both lead actors to manage tension. Dakota Johnson reportedly drank a glass of whisky as a pre-scene ritual, while Jamie Dornan performed push-ups to maximize muscle definition. They would then privately discuss the scene in detail before filming.
Family Connections and Homages
The casting of Elena Lincoln sparked online debate, with fans suggesting Kim Cattrall, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Charlize Theron for the role. Kim Basinger ultimately landed the part, drawing on her experience in the similar genre with the film Nine and a Half Weeks.
Basinger’s casting created a connection to Dakota Johnson’s family. She previously co-starred with Dakota Johnson’s father, Don Johnson, in the television series From Here to Eternity.
Dakota Johnson also paid tribute to her mother, Melanie Griffith, during filming. She delivered a line mirroring a famous line spoken by Griffith in the 1980s comedy Working Girl – stating she wouldn’t be expected to fetch coffee and would set her own rules.
The film also included subtle references to actors’ past work. When Ana asks Christian about his childhood bedroom, his response, “Once upon a time,” is a nod to a fantasy series in which Dornan previously starred.
Efficient Production
Universal Pictures opted for a cost-effective production strategy, filming the second and third installments of the series back-to-back. This approach mirrored the studio’s previous method used for the second and third Back to the Future films.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the change in directors between the first and second films?
Sam Taylor Johnson declined to direct the second film due to frequent disagreements with author E. L. James, who had final approval over all details of the production.
How did Jamie Dornan prepare physically for the role in the second film?
Jamie Dornan spent nearly two years preparing for the role, gaining significant muscle mass. He focused on gymnastic training, specifically a challenging pose on a horse, rather than traditional weightlifting.
Was there a family connection involved in the casting of Kim Basinger?
Yes, Kim Basinger previously co-starred with Dakota Johnson’s father, Don Johnson, in the television series From Here to Eternity.
Considering the behind-the-scenes complexities and the actors’ dedication to their roles, what aspects of a film’s production do you think most significantly impact the final product?