The book Fifty Shades of Grey has created a storm in the literary world in the past, becoming a best-seller in many countries around the world, so much so that the general public have been excitedly awaiting the release of the Film at their local cinemas. With the film premiering at the Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale 2015) on Wednesday, ahead of its general release this coming Saturday (tying in neatly with Valentine's Day), there seems to be the potential for a slightly unexpected boost to the economy. Staff at DIY stores up and down the UK have allegedly been told to expect an increase in demand for certain products that they sell, as prospective customers react to the film by becoming a little 'hot under the collar'.
Staff at the hardware store B&Q have reportedly been briefed that they may become deluged with queries of a rather 'sensitive' nature from customers, as fans of the book and film seek out specific items from the area selling rope, cable ties and tape, among other products. The details of what staff should be considering in the coming days, seems to have come to light through a leaked memo, which made its way into the public domain.
The novel by the British author E.L. James' has caused controversy and acclaim in equal measure, since it was first published in 2011 as the first of the books in the Fifty Shades' trilogy. It has been referred to as an "erotic, romance" novel, tracing the intense relationship that develops between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and Christian Grey, a young billionaire businessman.
The controversial aspect of the book seems to centre on the explicitly erotic scenes featured therein, which involve elements of bondage, dominance and BDSM. After its initial success, topping best-seller lists globally (including in the UK and the United States) the remaining parts of the trilogy, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed were subsequently published in 2012.
It is estimated that the series of books has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and been translated into 52 different languages, such has been the interest, including the record for fastest-selling paperback of all time in the UK.
The film has been eagerly anticipated, ever since it was made known that it was likely to be made, with great interest being taken by film lovers and critics alike in terms of who would be cast in the main roles.
Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan were the actors who were eventually selected. It has been directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, who will be known to some film-goers through her association with the 2009 film Nowhere Boy, depicting the early life of John Lennon, which she also directed.
It remains to be seen how the Berlin premiere is received and whether the film enjoys anything like the success that the book did. However, in the meantime the staff at DIY stores are anticipating the potential rush!