Members of the public on Hollywood Boulevard differed in opinions on Thursday (October 3) when asked about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/security-stepped-up-as-joker-opens-in-us-movie-theaters-253620">added security to 'Joker' screenings</a> in the United States.

Police in major US&nbsp;cities was on alert as 'Joker'&nbsp;opened in movie theatres after weeks of publicity surrounding its disturbing portrait of a bullied loner raised fears it might spark violence.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joker-review-joaquin-phoenix-is-terrific-in-an-extremely-disturbing-film-253248">Read the review of 'Joker' here.&nbsp;</a>

Brad Sponenburgh, from Idaho, told Reuters "There's been some pretty crazy stuff happen in the past so it doesn't hurt, I don't think, to be prepared. I think it's fine. If it doesn't add any extra concern, problems, then I don't think it's bad to be prepared for it in case it did."

However, not everyone felt safe about the idea of seeing the film in a movie theatre. Sandy Schlafge from Minneapolis, said "I would wait a while for it to die down before I see it. I'm conflicted about it because of the issues in America about gun violence. It's a tough time right now."

Tyson Sheean, who lives in Los Angeles but is from Australia, said "I've been looking at seeing it for quite a while and I've been looking at all the trailers and everything. I think it's definitely deterred me from going into the theatre and seeing it just because I'm from Australia and we have quite strict gun laws and here they're quite lax and they had the cinema shooting a couple of years back so it's sort of deterred me from seeing it in the cinema, at least for the first week or two."

John Holmes from the UK, bought a ticket to see the film on its opening night and said,&nbsp;"I'm not especially concerned because the moment you change your behaviour is the minute these kinds of people have won, so you just have to keep going to these things."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joaquin-phoenix-robert-de-niro-didnt-get-along-well-on-sets-of-joker-253602">Also read:&nbsp;Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro didn't get along well on sets of 'Joker'</a>

Members of the public on Hollywood Boulevard differed in opinions on Thursday (October 3) when asked about added security to 'Joker' screenings in the United States.

Members of the public on Hollywood Boulevard differed in opinions on Thursday (October 3) when asked about added security to 'Joker' screenings in the United States. Police in major US cities was on alert as 'Joker' opened in movie theatres after weeks of publicity surrounding its disturbing portrait of a bullied loner raised fears it might spark violence. Read the review of 'Joker' here. Brad Sponenburgh, from Idaho, told Reuters "There's been some pretty crazy stuff happen in the past so it doesn't hurt, I don't think, to be prepared. I think it's fine. If it doesn't add any extra concern, problems, then I don't think it's bad to be prepared for it in case it did." However, not everyone felt safe about the idea of seeing the film in a movie theatre. Sandy Schlafge from Minneapolis, said "I would wait a while for it to die down before I see it. I'm conflicted about it because of the issues in America about gun violence. It's a tough time right now." Tyson Sheean, who lives in Los Angeles but is from Australia, said "I've been looking at seeing it for quite a while and I've been looking at all the trailers and everything. I think it's definitely deterred me from going into the theatre and seeing it just because I'm from Australia and we have quite strict gun laws and here they're quite lax and they had the cinema shooting a couple of years back so it's sort of deterred me from seeing it in the cinema, at least for the first week or two." John Holmes from the UK, bought a ticket to see the film on its opening night and said, "I'm not especially concerned because the moment you change your behaviour is the minute these kinds of people have won, so you just have to keep going to these things." Also read: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro didn't get along well on sets of 'Joker'

Joker: People on Hollywood Boulevard react to security outside movie theaters

Actor Joaquin Phoenix opened up about his controversial new film `Joker`, which has been receiving flak amid fears that it could trigger violence. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joker-review-joaquin-phoenix-is-terrific-in-an-extremely-disturbing-film-253248">Read the film's review here.&nbsp;</a> 
 
Phoenix acknowledged that he predicted that the film will receive at least some criticism due to its subject matter, but he hopes it will spark more meaningful conversations once people actually watch it. 
 
"I didn`t imagine that it would be smooth sailing. It`s a difficult film. In some ways, it`s good that people are having a strong reaction to it," the 44-year-old actor admitted. 
 
The star explained that he wanted to play the iconic Batman villain in a way that the viewers could "sympathise or empathise with this villain." 
 
"It`s so easy for us to -- we want the simple answers, we want to vilify people. It allows us to feel good if we can identify that as evil. But that`s not healthy because we`re not really examining our inherent racism that most white people have, certainly. Or whatever it may be. Whatever issues you may have. It`s too easy for us and I felt like, yeah, we should explore this villain. This malevolent person," he said. 
 
"There`s no real communication, and to me that`s the value of this. I think that we are capable as an audience to see both of those things simultaneously and experience them and value them," Phoenix added.

Director Todd Phillips also spoke up about the flak that the film is receiving. He slammed the critically acclaimed film`s backlash for its portrayal of violence. 
 
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Phillips said, "We`re making a movie about a fictional character in a fictional world, ultimately, and your hope is that people take it for what it is." 
 
He went on to say that films can`t be blamed for a world that is so f--ked up."You can`t blame movies for a world that is so f-ked up that anything can trigger it," the filmmaker said."That`s kind of what the movie is about. It`s not a call to action. If anything it`s a call to self-reflection to society," he added. 
 
During a screening of Warner Bros. film `The Dark Knight Rises`, a gunman shot into a large crowd, killing 12 people and injuring 70. The shooter, James Holmes, was sentenced to life in prison. 
 
The family members of those killed in the Aurora, Colorado mass shooting during a screening of `The Dark Knight Rises` in 2012 recently sent Warner Bros. a letter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joker-raises-concern-for-us-movie-theatre-massacre-families-251875">voicing their concerns about the movie.</a> 
 
The movie theatre where the Aurora, Colorado, mass shooting took place will not screen `Joker`. 
 
`Joker` features a new take on the comic book character`s origin story, and follows an aspiring stand-up comedian called Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) whose mental health issues escalate, ultimately leading him to a life of criminality. 
 
Apart from Phoenix, the movie also features Robert De Niro, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais, and Shea Whigham. 
 
The upcoming flick is a part of the DC Comics universe but will serve as an independent origin story and will not feature any appearances by Batman and other caped crusaders. 
 
The film is getting early Oscar buzz after winning the Golden Lion, the Venice International Film Festival`s top award.&nbsp;Earlier this month, `Joker` <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joaquin-phoenix-starrer-joker-gets-eight-minute-standing-ovation-at-venice-film-festival-247145">received an eight-minute standing ovation</a> at its Venice Film Festival premiere for the origin story that the makers mapped out for Batman`s arch-villain - Joker.&nbsp;

The film releases in India on October 2- two days prior to its world wide release.&nbsp;

Actor Joaquin Phoenix opened up about his controversial new film `Joker`, which has been receiving flak amid fears that it could trigger violence. Read the film's review here.

Actor Joaquin Phoenix opened up about his controversial new film `Joker`, which has been receiving flak amid fears that it could trigger violence. Read the film's review here. Phoenix acknowledged that he predicted that the film will receive at least some criticism due to its subject matter, but he hopes it will spark more meaningful conversations once people actually watch it. "I didn`t imagine that it would be smooth sailing. It`s a difficult film. In some ways, it`s good that people are having a strong reaction to it," the 44-year-old actor admitted. The star explained that he wanted to play the iconic Batman villain in a way that the viewers could "sympathise or empathise with this villain." "It`s so easy for us to -- we want the simple answers, we want to vilify people. It allows us to feel good if we can identify that as evil. But that`s not healthy because we`re not really examining our inherent racism that most white people have, certainly. Or whatever it may be. Whatever issues you may have. It`s too easy for us and I felt like, yeah, we should explore this villain. This malevolent person," he said. "There`s no real communication, and to me that`s the value of this. I think that we are capable as an audience to see both of those things simultaneously and experience them and value them," Phoenix added. Director Todd Phillips also spoke up about the flak that the film is receiving. He slammed the critically acclaimed film`s backlash for its portrayal of violence. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Phillips said, "We`re making a movie about a fictional character in a fictional world, ultimately, and your hope is that people take it for what it is." He went on to say that films can`t be blamed for a world that is so f--ked up."You can`t blame movies for a world that is so f-ked up that anything can trigger it," the filmmaker said."That`s kind of what the movie is about. It`s not a call to action. If anything it`s a call to self-reflection to society," he added. During a screening of Warner Bros. film `The Dark Knight Rises`, a gunman shot into a large crowd, killing 12 people and injuring 70. The shooter, James Holmes, was sentenced to life in prison. The family members of those killed in the Aurora, Colorado mass shooting during a screening of `The Dark Knight Rises` in 2012 recently sent Warner Bros. a letter voicing their concerns about the movie. The movie theatre where the Aurora, Colorado, mass shooting took place will not screen `Joker`. `Joker` features a new take on the comic book character`s origin story, and follows an aspiring stand-up comedian called Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) whose mental health issues escalate, ultimately leading him to a life of criminality. Apart from Phoenix, the movie also features Robert De Niro, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais, and Shea Whigham. The upcoming flick is a part of the DC Comics universe but will serve as an independent origin story and will not feature any appearances by Batman and other caped crusaders. The film is getting early Oscar buzz after winning the Golden Lion, the Venice International Film Festival`s top award. Earlier this month, `Joker` received an eight-minute standing ovation at its Venice Film Festival premiere for the origin story that the makers mapped out for Batman`s arch-villain - Joker. The film releases in India on October 2- two days prior to its world wide release.

Joaquin Phoenix, Todd Phillips open up about controversy surrounding 'Joker'

The Landmark Theaters chain will ban costumes and masks for moviegoers during screenings of the film 'Joker', it said on Thursday, following concerns expressed by families involved in a 2012 mass shooting during a Batman film in Colorado.

The Los Angeles-based chain, which runs 52 theaters in 27 markets, said it wanted customers to enjoy the film as a "cinematic achievement."

"But no masks painted faces or costumes will be permitted into our theatres," it said in a statement to Reuters.

The film opens in theatres on October&nbsp;4.

Landmark joins the nation's largest movie chain, Kansas-based AMC Theatres, which has banned masks in theatres since the Colorado massacre that killed a dozen and wounded scores and re-affirmed that ban.

AMC, which runs more than 650 cinemas, reminded customers this week that while it allowed costumes, it did not allow masks.

"Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face," it said in a statement widely reported in the media, including Variety.

Landmark did not give a reason for its ban.

But it follows a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joker-raises-concern-for-us-movie-theatre-massacre-families-251875">letter from the families of some victims </a>of the shooting at a 2012 showing of the Batman movie, 'The Dark Knight Rises'&nbsp;in Aurora, Colorado, to Warner Bros., the studio behind the 'Joker,'&nbsp;expressing concern.

Some of those at the midnight screening in the packed Aurora theater had been wearing costumes. The mass shooting at the Century 16 Theater multiplex owned by Cinemark USA Inc killed 12 and wounded 70.

The gunman, James Holmes, is serving multiple life sentences after being convicted of mass murder, despite pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.

The new film depicts the mental breakdown of the Joker character, the nemesis of Batman in various movie, television and comic book adaptations, that leads to violence.

The families' letter also urged Warner Bros. to end political contributions to candidates who take money from the National Rifle Association and to fund gun violence intervention programs.

In response, Warner Bros.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joker-warner-bros-studio-responds-to-letter-from-families-of-gun-violence-victims-251950"> issued a statement of sympathy</a> for the victims and their families, Entertainment Weekly said.

"Our company has a long history of donating to victims of violence, including Aurora, and in recent weeks, our parent company joined other business leaders to call on policymakers to enact bipartisan legislation to address this epidemic," Warner Bros. said, media reported.

But the movie does not endorse real-world violence and does not hold up the Batman villain as a hero, it added.

Los Angeles police aim to step up visibility during the film's opening weekend.

"The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of public concerns and the historical significance associated with the premiere of the Joker," it said in a statement to Reuters.

"While there are no credible threats in the Los Angeles area, the department will maintain high visibility around movie theatres when it opens."

Aurora police have said Cinemark will not screen 'Joker'&nbsp;at the Colorado multiplex, where they continue to provide enhanced security.

"We recognize this release may cause concern for the families, friends, first responders and beyond," police said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Landmark Theaters chain will ban costumes and masks for moviegoers during screenings of the film 'Joker', it said on Thursday, following concerns expressed by families involved in a 2012 mass shooting during a Batman film in Colorado.

The Landmark Theaters chain will ban costumes and masks for moviegoers during screenings of the film 'Joker', it said on Thursday, following concerns expressed by families involved in a 2012 mass shooting during a Batman film in Colorado. The Los Angeles-based chain, which runs 52 theaters in 27 markets, said it wanted customers to enjoy the film as a "cinematic achievement." "But no masks painted faces or costumes will be permitted into our theatres," it said in a statement to Reuters. The film opens in theatres on October 4. Landmark joins the nation's largest movie chain, Kansas-based AMC Theatres, which has banned masks in theatres since the Colorado massacre that killed a dozen and wounded scores and re-affirmed that ban. AMC, which runs more than 650 cinemas, reminded customers this week that while it allowed costumes, it did not allow masks. "Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face," it said in a statement widely reported in the media, including Variety. Landmark did not give a reason for its ban. But it follows a letter from the families of some victims of the shooting at a 2012 showing of the Batman movie, 'The Dark Knight Rises' in Aurora, Colorado, to Warner Bros., the studio behind the 'Joker,' expressing concern. Some of those at the midnight screening in the packed Aurora theater had been wearing costumes. The mass shooting at the Century 16 Theater multiplex owned by Cinemark USA Inc killed 12 and wounded 70. The gunman, James Holmes, is serving multiple life sentences after being convicted of mass murder, despite pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. The new film depicts the mental breakdown of the Joker character, the nemesis of Batman in various movie, television and comic book adaptations, that leads to violence. The families' letter also urged Warner Bros. to end political contributions to candidates who take money from the National Rifle Association and to fund gun violence intervention programs. In response, Warner Bros. issued a statement of sympathy for the victims and their families, Entertainment Weekly said. "Our company has a long history of donating to victims of violence, including Aurora, and in recent weeks, our parent company joined other business leaders to call on policymakers to enact bipartisan legislation to address this epidemic," Warner Bros. said, media reported. But the movie does not endorse real-world violence and does not hold up the Batman villain as a hero, it added. Los Angeles police aim to step up visibility during the film's opening weekend. "The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of public concerns and the historical significance associated with the premiere of the Joker," it said in a statement to Reuters. "While there are no credible threats in the Los Angeles area, the department will maintain high visibility around movie theatres when it opens." Aurora police have said Cinemark will not screen 'Joker' at the Colorado multiplex, where they continue to provide enhanced security. "We recognize this release may cause concern for the families, friends, first responders and beyond," police said in a statement on Wednesday.

Two US movie theater chains ban masks at screenings of ‘Joker’

With an almost slow weekend this time around at the box office in India, there’s lots riding on the national holiday for Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 as the nation&nbsp;remembers Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary.&nbsp;

Joaquin Phoenix starrer ‘Joker’ is<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joaquin-phoenix-starrer-joker-to-now-release-in-indian-on-this-day-251967"> releasing on October 2</a> along with Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff starrer ‘War’. The film has been cleared by the Indian censor board without any cuts and has been granted an ‘A’ certificate.&nbsp;

The movie, according to sources mentioned in media reports, will have two mutes.&nbsp;

The film is directed by Todd Philips and is based on the popular DC supervillain of the same name.&nbsp;

The film and Joquin’s performance has been abuzz with an expected Oscar nod. It even got a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joaquin-phoenix-starrer-joker-gets-eight-minute-standing-ovation-at-venice-film-festival-247145">standing ovation of 8 minutes at the Venice Film Festival.&nbsp;</a>

With an almost slow weekend this time around at the box office in India, there’s lots riding on the national holiday for Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 as the nation remembers Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary.

With an almost slow weekend this time around at the box office in India, there’s lots riding on the national holiday for Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 as the nation remembers Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. Joaquin Phoenix starrer ‘Joker’ is releasing on October 2 along with Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff starrer ‘War’. The film has been cleared by the Indian censor board without any cuts and has been granted an ‘A’ certificate. The movie, according to sources mentioned in media reports, will have two mutes. The film is directed by Todd Philips and is based on the popular DC supervillain of the same name. The film and Joquin’s performance has been abuzz with an expected Oscar nod. It even got a standing ovation of 8 minutes at the Venice Film Festival.

'Joker' gets 'A' certificate with no cuts for India release

Families of victims of 2012’s Aurora theatre shooting recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joker-raises-concern-for-us-movie-theatre-massacre-families-251875">wrote a letter </a>to the Warner Bros. for their upcoming film ‘Joker’ starring Joaquin Phoenix in the villainous role, asking for help to combat gun violence.&nbsp;

Not shying away from confronting the issue, the makers have responded to the letter. They said that gun violence is “a critical issue” in the letter and said that the company "has a long history of donating to victims of violence, including Aurora, and in recent weeks, our parent company joined other business leaders to call on policymakers to enact bipartisan legislation to address this epidemic."

The statement further read, "At the same time, Warner Bros. believes that one of the functions of storytelling is to provoke difficult conversations around complex issues," the statement continued.

"Make no mistake: neither the fictional character Joker nor the film, is an endorsement of real-world violence of any kind. It is not the intention of the film, the filmmakers or the studio to hold this character up as a hero."

The families had written a letter addressed to Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff, asking the studio to "use your massive platform and influence to join us in our fight to build safer communities with fewer guns.”

Directed by Todd Philips, ‘Joker’ releases on October 4 in the US while in India it will come out on October 2.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joker-trailer-joaquin-phoenix-gives-the-famous-anti-hero-a-new-spin-in-todd-phillips-film-246373">Watch the trailer here.&nbsp;</a>

Families of victims of 2012’s Aurora theatre shooting recently wrote a letter to the Warner Bros. for their upcoming film ‘Joker’ starring Joaquin Phoenix in the villainous role, asking for help to combat gun violence.

Families of victims of 2012’s Aurora theatre shooting recently wrote a letter to the Warner Bros. for their upcoming film ‘Joker’ starring Joaquin Phoenix in the villainous role, asking for help to combat gun violence. Not shying away from confronting the issue, the makers have responded to the letter. They said that gun violence is “a critical issue” in the letter and said that the company "has a long history of donating to victims of violence, including Aurora, and in recent weeks, our parent company joined other business leaders to call on policymakers to enact bipartisan legislation to address this epidemic." The statement further read, "At the same time, Warner Bros. believes that one of the functions of storytelling is to provoke difficult conversations around complex issues," the statement continued. "Make no mistake: neither the fictional character Joker nor the film, is an endorsement of real-world violence of any kind. It is not the intention of the film, the filmmakers or the studio to hold this character up as a hero." The families had written a letter addressed to Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff, asking the studio to "use your massive platform and influence to join us in our fight to build safer communities with fewer guns.” Directed by Todd Philips, ‘Joker’ releases on October 4 in the US while in India it will come out on October 2. Watch the trailer here.

Joker: Warner Bros. Studio responds to letter from families of gun violence victims