CBR

  • The build up to director Todd Phillips' Joker has been ripe with controversy. 1 / 8

  • Concerns have been raised regarding the violent film's potential negative impact on society. 2 / 8

  • Phillips has addressed these concerns, explaining he finds them baseless. 3 / 8

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  • The movie makes statements about a lack of love, childhood trauma, lack of compassion in the world." 4 / 8

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  • "I think people can handle that message." 5 / 8

  • Joker star Joaquin Phoenix largely echoed Phillips' sentiment. 6 / 8

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  • "I think that, for most of us, you're able to tell the difference between right and wrong." 7 / 8

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  • Phoenix finds the controversy "uncomfortable," but believes it should be talked about. 8 / 8