Fifty Shades Of The “New Woman”
The capitalism of the late 20th and early 21st century played a significant role in shaping conflicting notions of womanhood. As argued by Genz, the media played a crucial role in encouraging women to reinvent themselves and embrace the persona of the “new woman” (Genz 97). This portrayal of the modern woman positions her as an independent and evolved person, liberated from the constraints of bra-burning feminism of the late 1960s. The post-feminist woman navigates different identities as she maneuvers through the realms of female empowerment, feminine beauty, and heterosexual desirability.
Anastasia’s character in Fifty Shades of Grey embodies the qualities of a modern woman in the 21st century, as discussed by Genz in the article. Anastasia is portrayed as a young, independent woman, attempting to make her way in the city. She is content with her own company and not actively seeking a romantic relationship. This depiction aligns with Genz’s argument that modern depictions of women promote the prioritization of independence. However, as Anastasia becomes involved with Christian Grey, her desires shift as she finds herself drawn to Christian and develops a desire for a romantic relationship. Anastasia fulfills the archetype of a modern woman who still desires to settle down.
Although loosely, the film portrays Anastasia as a career-driven woman who aspires to work in the publishing industry. This ambition aligns with Genz’s argument that modern women strive for professional success and fulfillment alongside their personal relationships. Anastasis’s determination to pursue her career goals while also navigating her relationship with Christian showcases her ability to desire to “have it all,” a characteristic often associated with modern women.
However, Anastasia experiences internal conflict when Christian rejects her, which brings attention to the internal struggles that modern women often face when their desires remain unfulfilled. Genz takes inspiration from Bridget Jones to create the framework for the modern woman as determined by contemporary media. Anastasia’s disappointment from Christian's rejection mirrors Bridget Jones. Like Bridget Jones, when a man rejects Anastasia, it causes her to question her self-worth. This internal conflict reflects Genz’s examination of hetero desirability and femininity.
Anastasia’s character is portrayed as a timid, innocent, submissive woman. She is often portrayed as a shy and introverted person who cycles through self-doubt. This is evident in her disastrous interview with Christian. Despite being an aspiring journalist who has a 4.0 GPA, Anastasia struggles through her interview with Christian. She is awkward and fumbles her words as she tries to collect her thoughts. Her timid and awkward nature serves to build Anastasia’s feminine allure. Her lack of dominance is what attracts Christian to her in the first place. He sees her as a pure and innocent woman. This is evident in the way he treats her, such as when he takes her home from the bar. On page 106, Genz’s work discusses how a physical appearance is attached to her female identity. We can see this concept demonstrated in the way Anastasia interacts with Christian. Anastasia's physical appearance enables her to obtain personal and professional goals, despite her not consciously relying on her body for this purpose. Ultimately, Christian’s fascination with Anastasis ultimately leads to their romantic involvement and contributes to her professional growth (in later installments of the franchise, Christian purchases her place of employment and gives her a promotion).
I think Anastasia’s self-doubt is incorporated into her character to resonate with female viewers who are also striving to embody the concept of the modern woman. Many women struggle with self-doubt and insecurity, and Anastasia’s character is a blank slate that audiences can project on.