Didn't imagine smooth sailing for 'Joker', says Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix says he always knew Joker, Todd Phillips-directed 'character study' of iconic DC villain, won't be having a smooth run as he believes it is a "difficult" film to process.

His comments come amidst a troubling press tour with actor facing tough questions regarding extreme mes of film, which has been rated R for "strong bloody violence, disturbing behavior, langu, and brief sexual ims". Along with a sharp response to movie's treatment, re is a strong Oscar buzz for Phoenix's masterful portrayal of a lonely man who turns to violence. In a profile interview with Vanity Fair, 44-year-old actor said he understands "strong reaction" film has received.

READ: Landmark atres Bans Joker Costumes Ahead Of Film's Screenings

"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," he said.

Phoenix maintained he wanted audiences to eir "sympathise or empathise" with Joker.

"It's like, because that's what we have to do. It's so easy for us to we want simple answers, we want to vilify people. It allows us to feel good if we can identify that as evil. 'Well, I'm t racist 'cause I don't have a Confederate flag or go with this protest.' 

READ: Warner Bros. Responds To Joker Controversy, Says "he Is t A Hero"

"It allows us to feel that way, but that's t healthy because we're t really examining our inherent racism that most white people have, certainly. Or whatever it may be," actor said. Phoenix believes viewers are capable of taking good of character with bad.

"Whatever issues you may have. It's too easy for us and I felt like, yeah, we should explore this villain. This malevolent person. re's real communication and to me that's value of this. I think that we are capable as an audience to see both of those things simultaneously and experience m and value m," he added.

Joker also features Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, and Brian Tyree Henry.