COURTESY: USMAGAZINE.COM
The state of Mississippi has sold almost four times as many pre-sale tickets for the movie “Fifty Shades of Grey” as was initially anticipated, according to Fandango. With a 390 percent increase in demand, the state has the largest gap between projected and actual pre-sale rates for “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
Other states throughout the South and Midwest also had a substantial number of ticket sales. Arkansas came in second, as it boasted sales that were 2.8 times larger than anticipated. West Virginia was a close third, with 2.7 times as many sales. Alabama and Louisiana tied with 2.0 times as many sales with Kentucky barely ahead of them, as they had sales that were 2.1 times higher than expected, according to “Entertainment Weekly.”
Jaime Cantrell, visiting assistant professor of English and Sarah Isom Center for Women’s and Gender Studies fall affiliate, said she was not surprised by the high number of pre-sales for the movie in the Magnolia State.
“Mississippi, and the South writ large, continues to be a socially conservative, homophobic and sexuality-suspicious space,” Cantrell explained. “That Mississippi tops the nation in ticket sales for ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ only reinforces the degree to which attempts to repress sexuality – in all its non-normative, conventional forms – doesn’t work.Desire and kink have moved well beyond the protected, sacred space of the bedroom in popular culture and film, and Mississippians want a front row seat. What is fantasy, after all? An escape from reality.”
The novel’s suggestive themes also contribute to its growing popularity, according to psychology major Anne Overton Waller.
“‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ is a book that appeals to a lot of different people in a lot of different ways,” Waller said. “Some may call it a twisted romance while others find it satisfying to their secret thoughts and desires.”
Waller further explained that the book not only presents readers with a gratifying escape, but it also introduces a concept that is deemed unacceptable within society.
“Overall, (the book) allows our society to delve into a world that is not their own and partake in a relationship that fulfills things that people would never gratify in their own world,” Waller said. “Instead of living through the perverse and abusive relationship presented in this book, people should spend their time on something more productive.”
Although many are looking forward to seeing the film, some activist groups are encouraging movie-goers to abstain from buying tickets.
A grassroots campaign entitled “50 Dollars Not 50 Shades” has been launched by a collective of American and Canadian feminists who work to prevent domestic abuse.
“The money you would have spent on movie tickets and a babysitter or movie tickets, popcorn and drinks will go toward serving victims of abusive relationships like the one glamorized in the ’50 Shades’ series,” said a post on the campaign’s Facebook page. “Hollywood doesn’t need your money. Abused women do.”
Despite its criticisms, Lauren Griffin, a sophomore at Ole Miss, already has tickets to attend the movie on Valentine’s Day, though she has never read the book. Her friends encouraged her to see it.
“Everyone says it’s a great book, and it appeals to girls that are interested in vicariously living through the book,” said Griffin. “I expect (the movie) to be very interesting and not as vulgar as people think.”
E.L. James’ novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” became an overnight sensation when it was first published in 2011. Because of its success, Universal Pictures produced a film adaptation of the story. Released six months ago, the trailer has received over 47 million views. The movie was also rewarded with the title of fastest-selling R-rated movie in Fandango’s history, according to “Entertainment Weekly.”
Over 100 million copies of the book have been sold worldwide, according to “International Business Times.” It has also joined the top 10 best-selling books of all time. This list includes “A Tale of Two Cities” and “The Lord of the Rings.”
