Theaters Ask That You Leave Whips at Home When You See Fifty Shades

There’s only a week left before Fifty Shades of Grey descends on cinemas everywhere, and the people running the movie theaters have become a little concerned that customers will be bringing more than just their imaginations to the film. AMC Theaters is already preparing for this by inviting fans to come to the movie without floggers, ropes or any other accoutrements that they feel might enhance their movie-watching experience.

The Consumerist reports that the theater chain is fine with people wearing costumes to the film (so like three-piece suits and stuff?), but are gently requesting that all other paraphernalia be left in a safe place that won’t make other theater guests uncomfortable or frightened.

From the Consumerist:

“While we welcome those guests who want to show their excitement for a film by dressing up in costume, we do not permit weapons (real or fake), or props/costumes that would make guests uncomfortable, or detract from the moviegoing experience,” Ryan Noonan, AMC Theaters spokesperson says.

It’s not clear whether the restrictions are just due to the film’s erotic nature or because unlike Mockingjay pins and Effie Trinket wigs, the items used in the Fifty Shades franchise might actually hurt other people (who are unwilling participants). To be honest, I feel kind of bad for the people working at the theater having to explain to excited moviegoers that they won’t be allowed in with their spiked paddles and gimp suits (you know someone’s coming as American Horror Story’s rubber man, right?) but it’s probably safer for everyone in the long run (especially anyone seeing the movie at the same time as the person showing up as the rubber man) (seriously, that still terrifies me).