Todd Phillips is ‘surprised’ by the Joker backlash and is proud of placing ‘real-world implications’ on violent character played by Joaquin Phoenix
Critics have taken umbrage to the latest violent flick based on one of the most famous villains in DC Comics.
And Todd Phillips is surprised by the criticism of Joker because he took measures to instill ‘real-world implications’ of violence not often found in cartoon films and television shows.
The 48-year-old director revealed during the New York Film Festival on Wednesday night that his depictions of violence were a needed departure from the glorification found in other action movies.
StTodd Phillips is surprised by the criticism of Joker because he took measures to instill ‘real-world implications’ of violence not often found in cartoon films and television shows
Joaquin Phoenix portrayed the character as bullied man Arthur Fleck who — after living on the outskirts of society — snaps and begins to take revenge on those who have wronged him.
‘That’s the surprising thing to me,’ he said at the movie’s East Coast premiere. ‘I thought, isn’t that a good thing, to put real-world implications on violence?’
Todd feels as though he has acted responsibility as a creative to show audiences what the real implications of violence are.
Joaquin Phoenix portrayed the character as bullied man Arthur Fleck who — after living on the outskirts of society — snaps and begins to take revenge on those who have wronged him
‘Isn’t it a good thing to take away the cartoon element about violence that we’ve become so immune to? I was a little surprised when it turns into that direction, that it’s irresponsible,’ he said.
‘Because, to me, it’s very responsible to make it feel real and make it have weight and implications.’
Despite receiving critical acclaim, social media monitoring FBI agents in the US have warned it could inspire screening attacks from incels – a term which refers to men who are ‘involuntarily celibate’ and blame their situation on women.
Jokes: Despite receiving critical acclaim, social media monitoring FBI agents in the US have warned it could inspire screening attacks from incels – a term which refers to men who are ‘involuntarily celibate’ and blame their situation on women
Duo: Todd is also pleased that after all the talk about Joker, the movie will finally be out in cinemas this week to be judged on its own merit
The families of victims killed in the 2012 mass cinema shooting in Aurora, Colorado, which occurred during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises have written to Joker studio Warner Bros. warning them the perceived sympathetic portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime could encourage copy-cat attacks.
Todd is also pleased that after all the talk about Joker, the movie will finally be out in cinemas this week to be judged on its own merit.
He said: ‘There’s been a lot said about this movie – a lot said by me, too. I’ve learned. I’m really excited that you’re here and we can finally let the movie speak for itself.’
