Journalists Have Been Banned From The Red Carpet At The “Joker” Premiere
Controversy continues to swirl around Todd Phillips‘ Joker movie. It stars what is surely a now bereft Joaquin Phoenix seeing as he’s had to watch his chances of an Oscar zip down the toilet due to all the controversy around the film. Joker drops next weekend at your local multiplex. And that’s where the press will have to see it because Warner Bros has disinvited journalists from the premiere’s red carpet according to Variety.
The new, gritty origin story for Batman’s funny frenemy has inspired a bunch of brouhaha for reportedly portraying The Joker as a murderous anti-hero for the kids to root for. Families of the Aurora mass shooting victims released an open letter questioning the film’s reported violence and asking Warner Bros to stop contributing to political candidates that don’t support common-sense gun control laws being enacted. The studio saw fit to respond by reminding us that Joker is a VILLAIN, guys. Joaquin has had to run out of interviews to gather his wits so he can formulate answers. The frickin’ military has gotten involved. It’s wild!
And now, reporters will not be allowed to scream questions at Joaquin and Co. like “WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ALL OF US WITH YOUR CLOWN MAKEUP AND SINEWY NEW MUSCLES?!?” from the sidelines at Saturday’s red carpet premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Photographers only, please.
“Our red carpet is comprised of photographers only,” a studio spokesperson told Variety, “a lot has been said about ‘Joker,’ and we just feel it’s time for people to see the film.”
Apparently, they don’t want their star to flee screaming from the red carpet, or co-star Frances Conroy screaming at reporters that she played Ruth Fisher on Six Feet Under, goddamnit and she doesn’t need this shit!
In another example of how messy society has gotten and how we’re all living in terror of being murdered in public spaces, the LAPD says they’re increasing their visibility at area theaters, and are warning moviegoers to be vigilant.
“The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of public concerns and the historical significance associated with the premiere of ‘Joker,’” said department spokesman Josh Rubenstein. “While there are no credible threats in the Los Angeles area, the department will maintain high visibility around theaters when it opens.”
Seriously, when “measures to inform and protect American moviegoers as they prepare to screen” Joker are going into effect across the country, one has to wonder what the fuck is wrong with this picture and question why the 21st century has seen fit to terrorize us into just buying bigger TVs to watch movies on so we can stay at home and not die.
Pic: Warner Bros.