In a Shift, ‘Shades’ Dominates Box Office

By: American Decency Staff

…R-rated movies tend to perform best in big cities and other politically liberal areas. But “Fifty Shades of Grey” was enough of a cultural force — whipped up in part by Universal marketers — that crowds turned out in traditionally conservative places like the Carolinas, Kentucky and Tennessee, Mr. Carpou said.

The 24-screen AMC theater at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., sold out multiple showings on Saturday, including a 4 p.m. matinee.

“I never bought the argument that the sexual theme would keep people away,” said Michael De Luca, a producer of the film. “People are not that prudish anymore.”

The response to the film, which is expected to spawn two sequels, could have a ricochet effect in Hollywood, which for decades has been operating under an assumption that sex — at least, the most blatant sort — is multiplex poison.

Read More

---