The Influence of Literature and Films on BDSM Culture

The increased number of books and films exploring BDSM themes or aesthetics became not only a source of education and exploration for people interested in BDSM, but also a motivational tool for newcomers inspired to learn something new, unusual and slightly forbidden. Providing the insights into dominant-submissive practices, films and books become the stimulus for many individuals to push personal boundaries and leave the comfort zone.

The Books with a Taste of the New and Forbidden

Literature, especially of the erotic genre, provides readers with role models engaged in the BDSM community or taking first steps towards the unknown, the latter works well if the reader also has very little understanding of BDSM, so they can reveal the absolute new world bit by bit with the protagonists. Well-developed characters serve as a source of inspiration and motivate the audience to explore their own desires. The writers include various scenes in their books, using interesting settings, fetish-inspired fashion, equipment, and environments that give the clear picture of what BDSM practices look like. It dispels the fear of the unknown and shows that this is just one of the dimensions in the people’s interactions, and it’s absolutely acceptable.

Novels with the vibes of BDSM and fetish successfully ruin stereotypes. Characters with the realistic desires and fears, felt like the real average individual from our workplace or close circle, challenge preconceived worldviews. These creative works provoke thoughts and challenge societal norms, as well, they encourage people to have an open expression of intimacy.

Works like Marquis de Sade's writings or "Story of O" by Pauline Réage provided valuable insights into BDSM. The “Story of O” by Pauline Reage explores the themes of dominance, submission, and sadomasochism, diving into the depths of human desire and showing the complex nature of power dynamics. This work emerged in the mid-20th century (1954), when societal attitudes toward sexuality were changing and transforming. In the post-war era, people started to lose traditional moral values and became more eager to explore their desires. Although the book is definitely provocative, it deals with the protagonist’s self-discovery and the exploration of taboos.

E.L. James's bestselling trilogy, "Fifty Shades of Grey," was the work of art that brought BDSM to a massive global audience. Although there’s much speculation about how the author depicted BDSM, the trilogy played a significant role in the acceptance of this unusual sexual preference. Ana and Christian’s lifestyle, including blindfolds, bondage, cuffs, bar spreaders, sex toys, ignited the viewers’ interest and left the everlasting impression in their mind. Many of them were definitely inspired to spice up their own intimate relationships with a pair of cuffs after reading.

There are also books that can reveal BDSM from the first steps, as for instance “Lowdown Dirty” by Holley Trent. It provides the story where one of the main characters is discovering BDSM right there with the reader, offering a unique chance to start exploration of this topic. Expecting nothing but short-time relationships with Valerie, Tim can’t even imagine how many things are there for them to live through and explore.

There are also novels with more extreme vibes, as “52 Fridays”, with the subtitle “A polyamorous, queer, kinky, tantric love story”, written by KamalaDevi McClure. It features 52 weekly lessons with masterfully described scenes between a domme and a student, whom she teaches how to be well-behaved. Another one is “Hunted” by A. Anders that features adults, who go to summer camp to set free their kinky fantasies in a more private atmosphere. Readers can learn how it’s feels like to be hunted. While it’s not the book for everyone, it can be rather fascinating to dive into it.

BDSM in Films as a Way to Broaden Views

With films, the audience isn’t limited solely to their imagination. Seeing the depictions of kinks through the actions of actors gives a more vivid and everlasting impression of BDSM practices. The films, presenting BDSM themes, serve as a powerful educational tool, if done properly, however the portrayal of kinks might not be universally accurate. Regardless of that, films definitely help break the stereotype of BDSM practitioners as something bad, ugly and pathological.

In more recent years, mainstream media presented the audience many portrayals of BDSM themes, for instance in TV shows like "The Handmaid's Tale," "Billions," and "Euphoria" where the viewers can see elements of BDSM and understand the nuances of power dynamics within complex character relationships.

Apart from the film “Fifty Shades of Grey”, inspired by above-mentioned novel, there are many other films, referring to this controversial and captivating topic. Let’s have a quick recap of some of them, which impressed viewers most. 

The film “Belle de Jour” features the woman in a conventional marriage who longs for sexual exploration. To make her dreams come true, she contacts the madam of a high-class brothel and starts living a double life. Now being a sex worker, the main character has many opportunities for the exploration of strong desires, including bondage and domination.

The iconic movie about sexual obsession “9 1/2 Weeks” tells the story about a Wall Street trader and an art gallerist. The spark between them ignites very quickly and their relationships become very emotional and hot. The viewers of this film can experience the dynamic of power and control, have insights about food play, masturbation in a public place, and this all is complemented with the retro style!

The 2002 film “The Secretary” offers the audience the story no less hot than the story about Christian Grey. This was the first film who introduced BDSM lifestyle at such a global scale. It masterfully combines the hot scenes with humor, demonstrating the sadomasochistic activities that can have such a huge impact on you that you might want to spend some time alone.

The film “Nymphomaniac” presents the story about a sex-addict Joy with her rich sexual experiences. It includes scenes with BDSM as the way to explore the boundaries of human sexuality and challenge societal norms surrounding sex. The film features rather a raw look at the woman engaged in BDSM with graphic sexual content, so it might not be suitable for a broad audience.

BDSM and Art Now

BDSM, or as it is often generalized into the term “kink,” is present in literature and films in many different ways. It can be about being in a sex club, appreciating each moment of one’s life as a dominant or a sub, it can be solely about sex or dig much deeper than that.

Beyond explicit depictions of BDSM dynamics, films, TV and books played a role in popularizing BDSM aesthetics. Inspired by what they've seen and read, actors, public figures and influencers started to incorporate leather, latex, and other fetish-inspired fashion in their styles, making it attractive and accepted by the majority of people, including those with traditional notions of beauty and style. The designers include BDSM-inspired details in their collections, musicians use BDSM clothes to develop their stage personality as well as use fetish aesthetics in their music videos. All that stimulates the broader acceptance of BDSM culture and lifestyle, destroys the stereotypes and teaches people to be more open and free.