Joaquin Phoenix and Todd Phillips have hit back at the recent criticism facing their DC movie, Joker.
Although it's yet to be released in cinemas, several publications have written think pieces targeting the movie's representation of mental health and violence, with some even labelling its existence as "dangerous".
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In conversation with IGN, director Phillips reflected: "I really think there have been a lot of think pieces written by people who proudly state they haven't even seen the movie and they don't need to.
"I would just argue that you might want to watch the movie, you might want to watch it with an open mind," he added.
The filmmaker – who's also known for his work on The Hangover trilogy – warned how "art can be complicated" before Phoenix chimed in with: "I think that, for most of us, you're able to tell the difference between right and wrong. And those that aren't are capable of interpreting anything in the way that they may want to."
The actor elaborated: "People misinterpret lyrics from songs. They misinterpret passages from books. So I don't think it's the responsibility of a filmmaker to teach the audience morality or the difference between right or wrong.
"I mean, to me, I think that that's obvious".
Joker has a release date of 4 October in the US and UK
Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
