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The MIHS Islander

The Student News Site of Mercer Island High School

The MIHS Islander

The Student News Site of Mercer Island High School

The MIHS Islander

Pike Place Debate
Pike Place Debate
March 8, 2024

“Joker” Q&A with Thomas Short

Graphic+by+Ellie+Gottesman
Graphic by Ellie Gottesman

“Joker” was widely criticized for its extensive use of violence and attempting to garner the audience’s sympathy for a homicidal maniac. However, it now holds the record for the biggest opening in the month of October, obtaining $93 Million dollars in its opening weekend.

Thomas Short, a senior at MIHS had this to say about the film’s controversial aspects and financial success:

Q: What are your general thoughts on the film?

A: I thought it was really good, I really liked Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as the Joker I thought that was the best part of the film.

Q: What do you think about the film’s stance and apparent message regarding modern society and its pitfalls?

A: I think that is right on the mark with a lot of the things, it’s true that there’s a lot of inequality and that it’s generally bad. I do think that the film made it seem like all the people who were anti-inequality seem crazy which I’m not sure I agree with. Other than that, I think it was a very topical message.

Q: Do you agree with mainstream media that the movie was too violent and that it may inspire violence in the real world as seen in the film?

A: I do not think that, if one movie is going to cause someone to be violent then it’s probably not this movie that causes it, it’s probably something else. I don’t think one movie can turn a normal person super violent.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Waynes, especially Bruce, in this movie?

A: It was cool how they set the death of the Waynes’ up in this new DC universe. I think it’s really interesting the direction they’re taking because normally in past interpretations of Batman, Bruce’s parents are kind people but in this version it seems that is not true.

Q: What implications do you think this movie has on the real world and Warner Brothers’ future in the comic book movie-making industry?

A: In terms of the DC comic-book inspired movies, I feel like “Joker” is another chance for the DC executives and story-tellers to build a universe that doesn’t suck like “Justice League” did. In terms of the real world, it kind of goes to show that when social problems like inequality are getting so big that even movies are addressing it, it shows that inequality is a very big problem.

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