Landmark Theatres bans Joker costumes ahead of the film's screenings

The much-awaited psychological-thriller Joker is all set to hit the theatres on the October 4 and the filmmakers are being extra cautious. According to reports, Landmark Theatres has banned the use of face masks, toy weapons, and all costumes while the movie runs in the theatres. The president and CEO of Landmark, Ted Mundroff while speaking to foreign media said, "I want customers to be comfortable in their surroundings," as the film has a dark theme. The Landmark Theatres is the largest movie theatre chain in the United States. 

READ: LAPD Raises Security At Cinema Halls Ahead Of 'Joker' Release

About the film Joker 

It is already estimated that Joker will hit the box office records with over eighty million dollars in the US itself during the first weekend of its theatrical run. The movie is directed by Todd Philips and the distributors are Warner Bros Pictures. The film is based on comic characters and it stars Joaquin Phoenix as the main character of Arthur Fleck, an outcast in his surroundings. The plot will revolve around Fleck's descent into the depths of his mental disorder. The character will then become the murderous DC Comics villain.

The film already won the highest award of Venice Film Festival on August 31 after it premiered at the event. It received positive reviews from the critics who have seen the film till now.

READ: Warner Bros. Responds To Joker Controversy, Says "he Is Not A Hero"

The 2012 mass shooting at The Dark Knight Rises screening

During a midnight screening of the film The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, a mass shooting occurred inside the theatre that killed about 27 people and injured many more. The shooter was dressed up in a black outfit and wore a gas mask. As per reports by witnesses at the time, he was wearing a costume just like other audiences who were present at the screening of the film. The shooter named James Eagan Holmes was sentenced to 12 consecutive life sentences plus 3,318 years without parole. Since then, movie theatres in the US do not permit any employee or audience to wear face masks, paints, or to carry toy weapons. 

READ: Joker Release Date Gets Preponed To October 2 In Indian Cinemas

READ: Joaquin Phoenix Walks Out Of Interview Over Question On 'Joker'