The 'Fifty Shades of Grey' movie has not yet hit theaters but it is already facing some controversies.
According to Cinema Blend, the recent issue involves the movie's poster which shows the main female protagonist Anastasia Steele naked and blindfolded as she sits on a red leather bed. The poster "has caused a bit of stir" among the Brits, it said.
Cinema Blend said that the huge banner was posted at the Welwyn Garden City cinema in Hertfordshire, U.K. to promote the movie and to inform the public that tickets are now on sale. The report said that it was not able to obtain a copy or photo of the poster but it noted that the poster was indeed that still image from the movie.
After being posted, the promotion received public outcry causing the theater to pull it down, Cinema Blend said citing the Welwyn Hatfield Times. The WH Times report showed an image of the actual movie banner. View it here.
Ace Showbiz said a representative from the Garden City Cinema has already apologized for the poster. "We are very sorry if we caused any offense to anyone...The film is set to be a huge blockbuster and is already selling well with us, even though it doesn't open until Valentine's Day 2015. The poster reflects the erotic nature of the film and was not explicit, but we understand if some people have taken offense."
Eric Eisenberg of Cinema Blend thus commented that it is "understandable" that some might see the poster as "a bit too risque for public display" but he is certain that some of the movie's fans might view this news as funny. "After all, the book has been painted as being practically pornographic, and by relative terms the image above is actually rather tame," he added.
The "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie is based on the book series written by E.L. James. According to the movie's official website, the book is considered as "one of the biggest and fastest-selling book series ever." The trilogy was even translated into more than 50 languages worldwide. The movie is about college student Anastasia Steele and handsome young businessman Christian Grey who met when she interviewed him for a school paper article. The two then find themselves engaged in sex and in a non-disclosure and dominance and submission agreement.
According to the movie's official website, the role of Christian Grey is played by Jamie Dornan while Dakota Johnson portrays the role of Anastasia. Joining them are Luke Grimes as Elliot, Christian's brother; Victor Rasuk as José, Anastasia's close friend; Eloise Mumford as Kate, Anastasia's best friend and roommate; Marcia Gay Harden as Dr. Grace Trevelyan Grey, Christian's mother; Rita Ora as Mia, Christian's sister; Max Martini as Taylor, Christian's bodyguard; Callum Keith Rennie as Ray, Anastasia's stepfather; Jennifer Ehle as Carla, Anastasia's mother; and Dylan Neal as Bob, Carla's husband. The movie is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and produced by Michael De Luca, E.L. James, and Dana Brunetti. The screenplay is by Kelly Marcel. The movie will hit theaters on Valentine's Day next year.
Watch the movie's official teasers and trailers here: