City
Epaper

'Joker' effect: LA police to increase visibility at theatres

By IANS | Updated: September 27, 2019 17:35 IST

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has decided to increase its visibility at cinema halls when the much-anticipated film "Joker" releases next week.

Open in App

The decision comes amid heightened law enforcement concern about the violent film, with people wondering if it will incite violence in the society.

The department said it has not received any specific threats about the movie, but encouraged moviegoers to be vigilant, reports variety.com.

"The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of public concerns and the historical significance associated with the premiere of 'Joker'. While there are no credible threats in the Los Angeles area, the department will maintain high visibility around theaters when it opens," said department spokesman Josh Rubenstein.

In 2012, a shooter killed 12 people and injured 70 others at a midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora, Colorado.

In fact, families of some of the victims have raised concerns about "Joker", in which actor Joaquin Phoenix will be seen playing the character as a depressed loner whose failures as a stand-up comedian provoke him to go on a violent rampage. The Warner Bros. film is about how Arthur Fleck became Joker.

The studio on Tuesday said that the film is not an "endorsement of real-world violence of any kind".

On Thursday, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips, whose daughter Jessica Ghawi was killed in the Aurora shooting, responded to the studio's statement, urging the studio and its parent company, AT&T, to "put its money where its mouth is and announce that it will no longer provide political donations to candidates and lawmakers who stand in the way of gun reform".

Several cinema chains have declined to discuss specifics surrounding their security protocols. However, sources said that discussions are taking place about the best ways to ensure guests' safety as the controversy around the film builds.

The film will open in India on October 2.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: AuroraLos AngelesSandy
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalCalifornia: Man Sexually Assaults Woman Inside Los Angeles Whole Foods Market, CCTV Footage Surfaces

InternationalLos Angeles Mass Stabbing: At Least 6 Injured in Knife Attack in Downtown LA

InternationalLos Angeles Accident: At Least 3 Killed, 6 Injured After Car Crashes Into 99 Ranch Market in Westwood

InternationalLos Angeles: 2 Injured After U-Haul Truck Ploughs Into Anti-Iranian Regime Protest in Westwood (Watch Videos)

EntertainmentCollaborating Across Traditions Has Shaped My Musical Voice: Aditya Prakash

Entertainment Realted Stories

EntertainmentDhurandhar 2 Box Office Collection Day 17: Ranveer Singh’s Film Crosses Rs 1564 Crore Worldwide, Inches Closer to Rs 1000 Crore Mark in India; Check Day-Wise Earnings Report

EntertainmentDhurandhar: The Revenge Actor Udaybir Sandhu Says ‘Didn’t Expect This Response,’ as Dialogue Wins Hearts

EntertainmentVishal wishes friends, fans on Easter; says irrespective of difference in caste, creed, religion, we are all one!

Entertainment'Dacoit' trailer gets nod from Mahesh Babu; calls it "solid setup for what's to come"

Entertainment"Mera reaction bahot loud tha": Sunanda Sharma reacts to Ghaziabad concert incident, requests no action against against fan