https://www.geek.com/movies/joaquin-phoenix-addresses-concerns-over-joker-violence-1805880/?source

Joaquin Phoenix responded to fears over ‘Joker’ violence and discussed Arthur Fleck’s complex personality. (Photo Credit: Axelle / Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic)

Joaquin Phoenix is not afraid of Joker critics: The star recently responded to fears over the movie’s protagonist, Arthur Fleck, and how the violent villain may be a “hero” in the eyes of troubled individuals.

“I didn’t imagine that it would be smooth sailing. It’s a difficult film,” Phoenix told Vanity Fair in an interview. “In some ways, it’s good that people are having a strong reaction to it.”

Phoenix discussed how Arthur Fleck’s situation can be interpreted in many ways and that the character doesn’t have to be glorified for his actions.

“You can either say here’s somebody who, like everybody, needed to be heard and understood and to have a voice,” Phoenix explained. “Or you can say this is somebody that disproportionately needs a large quantity of people to be fixated on him. His satisfaction comes as he stands in amongst the madness.”

When Phoenix accepted the role for Joker, he had to decide how to portray his character, who is known to have a bad reputation in the comic book world.

“I was going through [the script] and I realized, I said, ‘Well, why would we make something, like, where you sympathize or empathize with this villain?’ It’s like, because that’s what we have to do,” Phoenix added. “It’s so easy for us to—we want the simple answers, we want to vilify people. It allows us to feel good if we can identify that as evil.”

Joker premieres in theaters on October 4.

More on Geek.com:

• Warner Bros. Responds to Concerns Over ‘Joker’ Film Plot
• ‘Joker’ Director Aims to Shock Fans With Arthur Fleck’s Story
• Joaquin Phoenix Wanted Thomas Wayne Excluded From ‘Joker’ Script