“Joker” Raises Concerns Among Colorado Shooting Victims

Sydney Deyo, Arts and Entertainment Writer

With the new trailer for the movie “Joker” being released, many families of Aurora Colorado shooting victims show concern for the message.

The Aurora Colorado mass shooting happened in 2012 during a showing of “the Dark Knight Rises”, another DC movie about the joker’s archnemesis. Now, with alleged connections hanging in the air and the tension that bring the villain back to the big screen will cause, the theatre where the shooting took place will now be showing “Joker”.

Families of the victims wrote to the Warner Bros. company, requesting support and a donation to gun control causes. 

“We are calling on you to be a part of the growing chorus of corporate leaders who understand that they have a social responsibility to keep us all safe,” reads a copy of the letter that was obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.

The lead actor in the movie, Joaquin Phoenix, walked out of an interview with British newspaper The Daily Telegraph abruptly while discussing the movie’s potential to inspire violence. Phoenix reportedly lost more than 50 pounds for his role as Arthur Fleck. This along with the role itself has taken a toll on the actor and has been difficult but rewarding. 

“It’s not an easy movie. And it’s unsettling and uncomfortable at times. But there are other times where I think you feel ecstatic,” Phoenix said. “It’s not always enjoyable, but it makes you feel — a really strong, emotional reaction. I think that’s what I look for in a film, certainly as an actor and I think as an audience member as well”.

Overall, the movie has been a difficult topic for some. Whether talking about it or being apart of the production, this movie has been hard on a lot of people but is highly anticipated for others. The movie releases October 4, 2019.