The fear is the Joker will embolden moviegoers who feel beat down by life, similar to Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck.
Concerns about Joker starting hitting the internet soon after it premiered at the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals.
Critics are worried that volatile moviegoers might identify with the struggles of the character, and be inspired to similar violent ways in response.
During the movie, Arthur Fleck will ultimately transform into the iconic murderous clown, with those same critics hoping that the movie doesn’t justify Arthur’s descent into a criminal.