Does It Matter that Joker Used Song from Convicted Pedophile?

The contentious inclusion of a song by convicted pedophile Gary Glitter in “Joker” has sparked a wave of criticism from moviegoers, with many concerned the disgraced former glam rock singer will be entitled to lucrative music royalties.

Joker: Convicted pedophile Gary Glitter set to earn big royalties

From the “didn’t know that” comes this news that Joker ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ is going to benefit a convicted pedophile. Could the use of this song be in any way a coincidence or did the song fit the moment perfectly? I remember the scene and thinking the song was a good fit and now I’m asking myself if I’d known this song was the work of a guy who had sex with a girl under 13 would it have colored my perception of the movie?

Yes, a little bit.

I don’t hate much in this world, but child predators are certainly in that wheelhouse. Really hate them. Which that emotion ironically fits into a dark movie like Joker.

The same way I despise that coward Roman Polanski who fled being prosecuted for his sexual misdeeds.

But.

I still think Rosemary’s Baby ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ is one of the greatest horror films ever. Not trying to be hypocritical, but a writer, director or actor’s political views (I don’t care much for Stephen King constantly railing about politics), personal activities outside the film she/he is in doesn’t significantly enter into whether or not I’m entertained by a film. Why did I take away a half star from that review? Probably because of my distaste for director Roman Polanskil It’s my way of saying perfection is marred by a despicable fiend who made the film.

I won’t take away a half star from Joker, however, because a pedophile’s song was used in one extended scene. It does seem at least strangely coincidental.

Unless the film has something to do with the creator’s politics or personal views or actions, I’m not sure any of this is relevant. Does it make for a clickbait link? Sure. Does it make for additional watercooler conversation about a movie which has been heavily promoted and talked about for the last couple months? Sure.

But do we care? Do you care? Some do. Here’s someone on YouTube talking in depth about Joker, this controversy and others:

Joker controversy discussion

Do I care? Sort of. Had I known this going in, it would not have prevented me from seeing the movie. It would have annoyed me and taken me out of being entertained for certainly that part of the film where the music was blaring.

Does it matter to you? I’m curious. Let me know.

FBI Warns Over ‘Possible Violence’ At Joker Screenings

Joker opens in theaters October 4, 2019

This news is :a sign of our troubled times:

The FBI has issued an extraordinary warning to law enforcement about possible violence at theaters showing the upcoming movie “Joker.” This comes years after a mass shooting during a “Batman” movie in Colorado in 2012.

I’ve blogged about police presence at the movie theater on a Friday night showing. So, now we have yet another concern at movie theaters everywhere (Texas seems to be on the highest alert, according to articles) starting October 4, when Joker is released.

Why are people getting so worked up over a DC comics villain movie? I thought basically the same thing over Batman.

None of this will stop me from going to the theater, I just won’t be as likely to attend during the busiest times (Friday and Saturday nights).. That has little to do with this Joker scare, I simply prefer less crowded screening times.

I’m still planning on seeing Joker and not too concerned about any of this BS. No “incels” or whatever miscreants there are will keep me away. How about you?

Police At The Movie Theater, Good or Bad?

Obviously, it was a bad time at the Rock Hill Movie theater Saturday night. A fight broke out, but when you watch the video it doesn’t really look as bad as the article makes it sound:

Police shut down an entire movie theater on a busy Saturday night after a huge fight broke out in the lobby. Some of the people involved ran for the doors, others ran into theaters, forcing the shutdown for safety purposes.  

This news article reminded me that something else noteworthy happened when we went to see the IT: Chapter Two showing last Friday night that I thought was a bit unusual. We don’t normally go to movie theaters on Friday nights, so maybe when it’s busy this is normal procedure at the theater: there was a noticeable police presence both outside and inside the movie theater.

Inside the theater a uniformed officer stood by where the tickets are torn and watched us as we entered toward the theater. I wondered, fleetingly, if this was normal? What was the police officer watching for? There were a decent amount of teenagers and younger people in the theater. Does the theater have issues with people running into movies without paying or causing other sorts of unruly and disruptive behavior?

The movie theater audience was large but everybody was well-mannered. Nobody was talking loud or on their phones during the movie or being disruptive. What is the deal with the police presence?

Obviously there are problems in present day with all sorts of craziness in public places (one doesn’t have to look at much news to see that, unfortunately) and that is one thing that does concern me about going to the movies. It’s one reason I tend to avoid going when there are larger crowds (like weekend nights). I prefer to go during matinees or the really late showing when it’s quieter and the theaters are less packed.

Part of me likes the police presence and part of me does not. Guess I’m torn on this one. Skating rinks were big when I was a kid and the police were never there unless a fight broke out. I don’t know if police need to be camped out at movie theaters essentially at the ready for trouble, but maybe they do? I don’t have an answer on this one. Maybe some others reading someday might comment and let me know their thoughts or link me to other articles or blog posts on this subject.