“Joker” sparks conversation and controversy
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix in a scene from "Joker," in theaters on Oct. 4. (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
Earlier this month, Warner Brothers released one of the most talked-about films of 2019 — Todd Phillip’s “Joker.” Starring Joaquin Phoenix, the film is a stand-alone origin story about the DC Comics anti-hero, and it has already generated its fair share of criticism over the past few weeks.
The “Joker,” which holds a steady 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, has been fighting off negative feedback since its initial release at the Venice Film Festival when a multitude of mixed reviews surfaced.
Audiences have recently voiced concern about the brutal violence depicted in the movie after Aurora, Colorado theaters banned the film. This ban was set as a precaution after 2012’s “The Dark Knight” shooting that took the lives of 12 people and injured 70.
This worry only progressed when police canceled a screening of the film in Huntington Beach after a threat of violence occurred.
The dark nature of the film is considered unsettling by some, and theaters across America have prohibited masks at showtimes.
“Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face,” a spokesman for AMC theaters said. “AMC does not permit weapons or items that would make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the movie-going experience.”
Junior health science major Brianna Robinson, who had the opportunity to see the film on opening night, said that crowds should not be surprised by the heavy violence.
“I think people are making it controversial,” Robinson said. “A lot of people are saying it glorifies violence and all that stuff but it’s just showing the inner workings of a madman. He is psychotic and deals with mental illness and we knew that going in. I don’t know why people are surprised.”
Upon release, the movie came under fire for its depiction of mental illness. Sophomore psychology major Noah Graves said that audiences should consider the clear line between fiction and reality before judging the film.
“Do I think that the film portrays individuals with mental health problems as murderers? No!” Graves said. “The movie is a fictional film regarding the origin of the criminal mastermind who is Batman’s ultimate nemesis.”
