Angelina Jolie portraying opera singer Maria Callas in the movie “Maria” and Jamie Foxx's Netflix comedy special called “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” is the No. 1 movie at the box office but is not destined for a happy ending.

(CNN) - The "Joker" hit movie theaters this week despite a wave of criticism that it glorifies a killer and could encourage copycat attacks nationwide. Even before its release, Warner Bros. faced protests from the families of mass shooting victims who feared it would lead to violence or copycat attacks. Heightened concern about the movie's premiere grew because of the 2012 mass shooting at an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater on the opening night of "The Dark Knight Rises" -- another Batman movie. Stepped up security nationwideIn a joint bulletin, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security warned law enforcement after online threats called for mass shootings at movie showings. "When I first heard about the mass shooting controversy, it didn't really bother me.

There is a constituency eager to blame Hollywood for contributing to societal ills that includes plenty of dishonest brokers. (At the risk of stating the obvious, this R-rated film is not for children, although a parade of related Halloween costumes seems sadly inevitable.) Ultimately, "Joker" is about the making of a monster, told in a manner that seeks to evoke empathy without rooting for him -- a fine line, underscoring a level of ambition beyond what's usually associated with comic-book-adjacent fare. Phoenix's live-wire work alone makes "Joker" an intriguing film, if one that has been conspicuously overpraised amid the irrational exuberance of film festivals. "Joker" premieres Oct. 4 in the US and is rated R. The film is being released by Warner Bros., like CNN, a unit of WarnerMedia.

Titled "Joker," Phoenix stars as failed comedian Arthur Fleck, who ultimately becomes the comic book villain. Several victims of the 2012 mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado, are expressing their concerns in particular. The film feels like a "slap in the face," Sandy Phillips, whose daughter was killed in Aurora, told The Hollywood Reporter. "I don't think it's the responsibility of a filmmaker to teach the audience morality or the difference between right or wrong," Phoenix told IGN. Relatives of those killed in the Aurora shooting are asking Warner Brothers, the studio behind the film, to donate to anti-gun violence causes.

Warner Bros. Pictures via CNNVENICE, Italy (CNN) - Let's put a smile on that face: A "Batman" prequel scored big Saturday at the 2019 Venice International Film Festival. Todd Phillips' "Joker" took home the festival's big prize, the Golden Lion for Best Film. The movie, which stars Joaquin Phoenix and is slated to hit theaters on October 4, explores the origins of the Joker, Batman's archenemy. Phillips also thanked Phoenix, who joined him on stage. The 76th Venice Film Festival, the world's oldest film festival, was held August 28 through September 7.

The last trailer has arrived for Joker, teasing more details on the Clown Prince of Crime's origin. The clip begins with yet another glimpse at Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix's character before adopting his iconic persona) in counseling with a social worker. It appears to be their last meeting, during which, Fleck admits "all I have are negative thoughts." One particularly chilling scene shows violence breaking out on a subway as Fleck dons a clown mask. RELATED CONTENT:Brian Tyree Henry Says Keeping 'Joker' Casting a Secret Was Like Kryptonite (Exclusive)Joaquin Phoenix Goes Full Joker While Shooting Intense Chase SceneJoaquin Phoenix Transforms Into the Joker in First Clip of Him in Full Makeup