Jamie Dornan, widely recognized for his portrayal of Christian Grey in “Fifty Shades of Grey,” had a bit of a rough ride with the film’s reception back in 2015. Despite the movie raking in over $500 million globally (and big bucks for the actor), it didn’t exactly win hearts in the critic’s circle, landing a meager 25% approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
Amid the storm of negative feedback, Dornan and his wife found refuge in the countryside, bunkering down at the home of the film’s director, Sam Taylor-Johnson, and her husband Aaron.
Chatting on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs with presenter Lauren Laverne, Dornan opened up about the whirlwind shift from being lauded for his role in “The Fall” to facing the music with “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Critics didn’t hold back, with one even likening his performance to “oatmeal.” Despite the harsh words, Dornan managed to find humor in the situation, especially given the film’s box office smash status. He said, he and his wife “shut themselves off from the world for a bit” when they saw the reviews.
In case you have been living under a rock, the erotic “Fifty Shades of Grey” film trilogy, based on the bestselling novels by E.L. James, is an intimate cinematic journey that explores the complex steamy and kinky relationship between Anastasia Steele, a literature student, and Christian Grey, a mysterious and wealthy businessman with a penchant for BDSM. The series begins with “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015), where the two main characters meet and begin their unconventional relationship, marked by Grey’s specific sexual tastes and Steele’s curiosity and growing affection towards him.
As the trilogy progresses through “Fifty Shades Darker” (2017) and “Fifty Shades Freed” (2018), viewers are taken deeper into the lives and pasts of Anastasia and Christian. The films delve into themes of trust, consent, and overcoming personal demons, while navigating the challenges and excitements of their evolving love story.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, who often criticized its depiction of relationships and sexual dynamics, the trilogy was a box office smash, captivating audiences worldwide with its portrayal of love, seduction, power, and redemption.
Dornan’s reflection on his career paints a picture of resilience and adaptation. Following the “Fifty Shades” saga, he earned critical acclaim, most notably with a Golden Globe-nominated performance in Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast.” His continued collaboration with Branagh in “A Haunting in Venice” further showcased his versatility, slowly but surely distancing him from the Christian Grey shadow.
The flip side of fame brought its own set of challenges for Dornan, including a rather unsettling stalker incident that hit too close to home. He also addressed the endless speculation over his relationship with co-star Dakota Johnson, emphasizing the importance of separating public perception from his personal life.
In contrast to the gossip and drama of the “Fifty Shades” years, Dornan has a stable and private family life away from the Hollywood spotlight. He is married to Amelia Warner, an English actress and musician. The couple tied the knot in 2013 and have since built a strong, supportive partnership. Together, they are parents to three children.
Warner has maintained a stance of supportive distance regarding the films. Despite her husband’s central role in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise, Warner says she has not watched any of the movies, primarily due to their explicit nature.
According to Dornan, Warner’s decision was based on discomfort with the intimacy level depicted on screen, rather than disapproval of the films themselves.
Dornan, in various interviews, has expressed understanding and respect for his wife’s decision. He has stated that he would not pressure her into watching the films, acknowledging that it’s entirely her choice.
In contrast to the rumors of an affair between Dornan and Johnson that circulated during the filming, Dornan has consistently denied these claims. His relationship with his wife has remained strong and unaffected by his role in the series.
In public, Dornan has occasionally faced situations where fans refer to him as “Mr. Grey.” These instances highlight the impact of his role on his public identity, which contrasts with his personal life where he maintains a strong family focus.
Looking ahead, Dornan is keen to dodge the kind of limelight that “Fifty Shades” brought, craving more normalcy than notoriety. Yet, he remains open to the possibility of taking on high-profile projects, demonstrating a balanced view on navigating fame and career choices.
In a lighter vein, Dornan shared a quirky tale from the set of his 2012 TV series “New Worlds,” where a spontaneous show of affection towards a horse led to an unexpected allergic reaction, disrupting filming for the day.
Despite the rollercoaster ride “Fifty Shades of Grey” proved to be, Dornan’s evolving career narrative speaks volumes about his ability to redefine his path, marked by noteworthy performances and a thoughtful approach to celebrity life.