Published 21:44 IST, September 22nd 2019
Joaquin Phoenix walks out of interview after controversial question
Joker's Joaquin Phoenix reportedly walked out of an interview over the question on real-life violence which might be inspired by his character's actions
American actor, producer, and activist Joaquin Phoenix who plays the titular character in the upcoming movie Joker has reportedly walked out an interview after being asked if the movie's storyline would perversely end up inspiring exactly the kind of people it's about. The movie is about a failed comedian Arthur Fleck, whose stability is rocked after he is disregarded by society. As per film experts, Joaquin Phoenix was the ideal choice for taking on the title role in Joker. The actor’s intensity and ability to make complex characters his own defines why he fits into the shoes of Joker.
Though its intense trailer has gathered lots of praise and is speculated to be part of the next Oscars already, there are concerns over many of its disturbing scenes and its impact on the audience. Fleck's descent into psychosis is so real, that the aforementioned questions are very likely to stay abuzz.
Joaquin has a habit of walking out
As per media reports, as the actor left the room, he asked why the journalist would ask such a question. After a while, Warner Bros employees managed to talk him into returning to complete the interview. Walking out of unfavourable situations has been common in the case of Phoenix. Todd Phillips, Joker's director said that Joaquin would walk offset in the middle of a take if he wasn't feeling it leaving his co-stars worried.
The basis of the controversy
Until now the reaction to the upcoming film broadly emphasized some of the deviations it takes from conventional superhero movies, and in this case, the tone and violence are notably darker than other major studio releases. Its grounded approach is also arguably different from that of bleak DC movies like Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, where the grim tone was superficial and the violence over-the-top. It can’t be denied though that linking real-world violence directly to entertainment is problematic. The recent rampant mass shootings in the US have become a strong basis for worry which in many ways is impacted by the portrayal of violence in movies like that of Joker. In the wake of accusations by liberals, Universal pulled the release of new thriller The Hunt, a film following 12 red-state strangers last month.
Updated 23:18 IST, September 22nd 2019