United Kingdom, Sept. 27 -- Dakota Johnson has credited her mother Melanie Griffith with giving her the confidence to embrace her sexuality - saying she was raised to be proud of her body and has carried that freedom into some of Hollywood's most intimate roles.

The 36-year-old actress, who became an international star as Anastasia Steele in the sexually charged Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, says Melanie, 69, spoke openly to her about bodies and sex while she was growing up.

Dakota's comments come as she prepares for the release of her latest provocative thriller, Verity, in which she stars alongside Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett.

Directed by Michael Showalter, 55, the adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel opens in cinemas...