Direct from the world of "Hollywood speculation," TheWrap is reporting that Portland director homeboy Gus Van Sant (Drugstore Cowboy, Good Will Hunting, My Own Private Idaho, etc.) is apparently gunning to direct the film we all can't wait to hate, EL James' 50 Shades of Grey.

Two-time Oscar nominee Gus Van Sant has shot a steamy sex scene featuring Alex Pettyfer as Christian Grey in a bid to direct "Fifty Shades of Grey," the film version of the erotic bestseller, individuals familiar with the project have told TheWrap.

The scene, insiders said, is when the ingénue Anastasia Steele loses her virginity to Grey.

The "insiders" were quick to point out that Pettyfer has not been cast as Christian Grey in the movie—just for Van Sant's audition tape. Also...

Van Sant was not officially asked by the studio to shoot a test tape. But doing so may indicate how badly he wants the coveted assignment.

So what sayest thou, Blogtown? CONDEMN OR ALLOW??