Joaquin Phoenix Finally Responds To Concerns About ‘Joker’ Encouraging Violence

As we previously reported, actor Joaquin Phoenix walked out of an interview while promoting Joker after the reporter asked him if he’s concerned whether the movie will encourage violence.

While he didn’t respond then, he’s certainly speaking out now, saying it’s a good thing that folks are being forced to confront evil in the theater.

“I didn’t imagine that it would be smooth sailing,” he told Vanity Fair.

The film is getting such a spotlight that apparently NYPD officers will be attending some screenings when it opens this week. The U.S. Army — yes the freaking Army — has also spoken about, warning that Joker might incite incels into mass shootings.

“It’s a difficult film. In some ways, it’s good that people are having a strong reaction to it,” the star insisted, adding that he felt driven to portray Joker in a way “where you sympathize or empathize with this villain.”

“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,” he said.“But that’s not healthy because we’re not really examining our inherent racism that most white people have, certainly. Or whatever it may be. Whatever issues you may have,” he said.

He added, “It’s too easy for us and I felt like, yeah, we should explore this villain. This malevolent person.”

All this buzz is killing us! Does it make you want to see the movie more — yes or no?