The movie's excellent award season is bringing those involved into the spotlight, which for Joaquin Phoenix, brings its own controversy. The actor is as well known for his eccentricities as he is for his performances.
After winning the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama, Phoenix was brought backstage to greet the press. After joking he was tricked to come backstage, the questions began.
And the first question immediately started an online debate.
In the video above, the first question asked wondered about Phoenix's process to study for and transform into the Joker.
Phoenix's response was very incredulous.
"Isn't this old news? I think I've talked about this for six months."
"I feel like I answered these questions. You want to hear a different version of it? I can try to change it slightly, or what should I do?"
Which to be fair, is true.
Promoting the movie during production and at time of release, Phoenix spoke at length, repeatedly, about his process to prepare for the role. Googling his appearances on talk shows and his interviews about the film finds almost all interviews include the answer to this question.
That fact didn't stop people from seeing Phoenix's response as being very rude.
Others came to his defense, however.
Phoenix has often been characterized as shy, and something of a recluse. He's noted for eschewing the normal Hollywood lifestyle, and having a very limited circle of friends.
Others pointed out his unconventional upbringing as to why he can appear different to other people.
And of course, Joker has been one of the biggest and most successful films of the year. Why would anyone think that question wasn't uncreative, unimaginative and lazy journalism on the reporter's part?
All of this led to debate online as to whether or not he was rude, or if he was, if we can excuse it.
One person pointed out that Phoenix only asked why he had to answer the same identical question over and over, then he answered the question anyway.
On the other hand, it was pointed out that many aren't afforded these same considerations.
Women in particular often get harsher judgements if they are perceived as cold or unsociable. Many have to deal with the same questions, not just on a particular film, but for their careers.
Part of the job of an actor is to promote the movie, and that often means dealing with unoriginal journalists, asking the same question as everyone else. And it's not like Phoenix isn't used to public scrutiny.
Does this mean Phoenix's actions should be condemned? Or should we just give more leeway to other actors frustrated with the press circuit?
Joker was released on home media last month, and is among the films that will be available on HBO Max when the service launches later this year.
