We are mere hours away from the Thursday night screenings of “Joker.” That’s when all the hype and debate surrounding the film will kick into high gear. And for the NYPD, Thursday night brings with it the worry that there might be more going on at this weekend’s screenings than just simple enjoyment of a quality film.
It’s nothing new to say that there have been reports about possible threats of violence at the upcoming screenings of “Joker.” Just a couple of weeks ago, a memo leaked showing that the US military was warning soldiers to be on the lookout for any issues if they go see the film opening weekend. And now, it appears that the NYPD is taking additional precautions as well.
READ MORE: Joaquin Phoenix Explains Why It’s Important To Present A Sympathetic Villain In ‘Joker’
According to an official, the NYPD is employing the use of undercover, plain-clothes police officers to help ensure the safety of the public at this weekend’s screenings of “Joker” in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. This undercover presence is in addition to the normally-dressed police that will be stationed at theaters, as well.
“This is 360-degree policing approach to ensure safety for ticket buyers in their seats, as well as on the streets,” said a law enforcement official (via Deadline).
“If something happens inside one of the screenings, we intend to be able to pacify the situation quickly and conclusively,” the spokesperson added.
This news also comes as Alamo Drafthouse has decided that it’s best to let parents know exactly what they can expect with the R-rated “Joker.” Namely, the film is rated R for a very good reason.
In a recent Facebook post, Alamo released a poster/ad for the chain’s upcoming release of “Joker,” accompanied by a parental advisory for parents warning them that just because “Joker” takes place in Gotham and follows a DC Comics character, this film is definitely not appropriate for children looking for a fun ‘Batman’ film.
The post warns parents that “Joker” is “a gritty, dark, realistic, ‘Taxi Driver’-esque depiction of one man’s descent into madness. It’s not for kids, and they won’t like it, anyway. (There’s no Batman.)”
Anecdotally, when I attended my recent screening of “Joker,” I noticed multiple parents ushering out their children (roughly between the ages of 5 and 10) from the theater, in a hurry. So, despite it seeming fairly obvious to film fans who follow this sort of thing, there are plenty of parents that won’t have any clue the “Joker” film isn’t your run-of-the-mill superhero adventure.
Therapists across the world already have enough on their plates. Don’t burden them with your traumatized kids that watched “Joker” expecting a continuation of “Batman: The Animated Series.” Thanks!
The new film will hit theaters on Friday.
Important info for your weekend plans.
Posted by Alamo Drafthouse San Antonio on Tuesday, October 1, 2019