Anna Todd: "More films should include sex scenes!"
After Passion starts today in German cinemas on Thursday. The novel is by US author Anna Todd (30). A total of four books includes her "After" series. Todd first wrote them as fan fiction and Singer Harry Styles (25) as the main character selected. Only later did she rename the figures. Shine in the cinema Josephine Langford (21) and hero Fiennes Tiffin (21) starring: Between the two college students Tessa and Hardin is developing into After Passion a stormy romance. Her love, however, is threatened by a secret.
Anna Todd is not only the author of the book, but also a producer of After Passion, That was "an educational experience," she said spot on news, "I learned so much about filmmaking, it was like a crash course." Which error Hollywood makes in her opinion in terms of sex and violence, she revealed in the interview also.
What makes "After Passion" interesting for people who do not know your books?
Anna Todd: Not only fans of the books will be able to enjoy the movie, as I have made sure that every part of the book that is found in the movie, actually made good on the screen. There were things that just did not work in the movie and I was glad to be able to leave them out because I wanted the movie to appeal to a broad audience - even though I know these scenes are loved by the fans of the book.
There were also certain dialogues where I thought they were great in the movie. But there is a really big difference in putting those words into a book's mouth in a book and having someone who speaks those words on the screen. In the book you use your own imagination, not in the cinema. So I was open to the many changes I was involved in implementing.
How many of the sex scenes are in the movie again?
Anna Todd: The sex scenes in my book are very explicit. Realizing that is actually not possible in a Hollywood movie. But in a movie, there are many things that are more erotic than seeing naked people who have sex. The special way two people look at each other or touch their hands may be more erotic than a couple having sex.
Sex scenes in the book are very explicit. That's not possible in a Hollywood movie.
But I think more movies should include sex scenes instead of just focusing on violence. In my opinion, Hollywood makes a big mistake. Violence is totally accepted, sex is avoided. But I'm not worried that my fans disapprove of the movie. The sex scenes that we have are really beautiful and delicate, I'm happy with it. And I'm very happy with the actors. I was involved in their selection and we have the best cast you can ask for. I would not want to change anything.
Some critics say about their "after" books that they glorify toxic relationships. Is that also a problem for the movie?
Anna Todd: Many of the people who criticize my books for glorifying toxic relationships are fans of Harry Styles on Twitter. As a writer I want to tell an authentic story. If I write only books about happy relationships in which nobody makes a mistake, I would not do it justice. And neither in the books nor in the movie is anything glorified. You can argue about it and I like to hear other people's opinions, but in that case I can not agree.
E.L. James is a great inspiration, mentor and friend
Did you try to get in touch with Harry Styles?
Anna Todd: I would never try to contact Harry Styles. I respect him as an artist and muse. But he has his own life and I do not want to put anyone in an uncomfortable situation.
Has you "Shades of Gray" star E.L. James given advice on how to successfully translate his book into a movie?
Anna Todd: I have about it with E.L. James spoke. She is a great inspiration, mentor and friend. She gave me a lot of advice and that really helped me with working on the film.
Videotipp: The first trailer for "After Passion"
