Bret Easton Ellis pitches to adapt Fifty Shades of Grey

Bret Easton Ellis said he would like David Cronenberg to direct the film

American Psycho author Bret Easton Ellis has volunteered to write a screenplay for a movie adaptation of erotic novel Fifty Shade of Grey.

The 48-year-old <link> <caption>said on Twitter</caption> <url href="https://twitter.com/#!/BretEastonEllis" platform="highweb"/> </link> that he had contacted his agent about writing the script and was "completely committed" to the idea.

He suggested famed Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg could direct the film.

Easton Ellis, whose other works include The Informers, added he would contact Universal Pictures later this week.

EL James's novel tells the story of the steamy relationship between billionaire businessman Christian Grey and "unworldly, innocent" literature student, Anastasia Steele.

It became the fastest selling book of the year and has been a best-seller on both sides of the Atlantic.

Universal Pictures secured the rights to the novel, plus its two sequels in March.

"Completely committed to adapting Fifty Shades of Grey. This is not a joke. Christian Grey and Ana: potentially great cinematic characters," Easton Ellis wrote.

"Hope EL James doesn't think I'm being a prankster. I really want to adapt her novels for the screen. Christian Grey is a writer's dream."

The author also listed some of the actors he had in mind for the main roles, although most of the posts have now been deleted.

He said: "The casting of Christian in Fifty Shades of Grey wouldn't be up to me but I have certain actors in mind. And a particular actress for Ana."

Digital Spy <link> <caption>reported</caption> <url href="http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a386454/bret-easton-ellis-wants-ryan-gosling-for-50-shades-of-grey.html" platform="highweb"/> </link> Ryan Gosling and Alexander Skarsgard were at the top of Easton Ellis's wish list to play Christian, while Scarlett Johansson or Kristen Stewart were his picks for Ana.