The Phenomenon of Fifty Shades

Trite as it may sound, FIFTY SHADES OF GREY is truly a global phenomenon. The three-part series is said to have sold close to 100 million copies worldwide, and introduced the idea of BDSM to the masses.

I say "the idea" of BDSM because I feel what was represented in the novels wasn't truly BDSM, but I digress. What is about these novels that captivated millions of readers around the world -- and led the movie version to gross more than $400 million in two weeks alone?

In my opinion, E.L. James, the London-based television executive that penned the trilogy on her morning commute, succeeded for one simple reason: she wrote the book she wanted to read and didn't care about anyone else along the way.

The book's setup is fairly traditional: young, naive girl meets older, handsome man with a dark past and vast wealth at his disposal. They meet, fall in love, get torn apart... and end up happily ever after.

Save for a few handcuffs, riding crops and butt-plugs along the way, it's almost kind of sweet.

I admit I saw the film adaptation of FIFTY SHADES on Friday, February 13th and walked away far more impressed than I thought I would be. Let's be clear, folks: this isn't WAR & PEACE we're dealing with. The sex scenes are what we paid for and, for the most part, they delivered.

So, what comes next for the world of film and literature? Expect more erotic novels, more film adaptions, and the general consensus that sex sells, particularly in vehicles aimed at women.

Of course, it would be nice if a novel or film came along that took a sincere look at how men approach sex...

But that's a different story.