This article contains minor spoilers for Joker.
Only days after its release, Joker has already proved to be one of the most polarising and divisive films of the year.
Having been criticised for its scenes of gun violence and depiction of mental health struggles, cinema-goers have also picked up on another unseemly aspect, in the inclusion of Gary Glitter on the soundtrack.
After one of the film’s most violent scenes, actor Joaquin Phoenix is then shown in what will probably come to be known as its most iconic moment, when Arthur Fleck dances on a set of steps in full Joker attire.Many have taken issue with the fact that the character dances to Rock And Roll Part 2 by Gary Glitter, who is currently serving a 16-year
prison sentence prison after being found guilty of multiple sex offences in 2015, including raping a girl under the age of 13.
Those who watched the film over the weekend were quick to voice their disapproval, which The Sun has reported could earn Glitter “hundreds of thousands of pounds” in royalties…Surely the main talking point for the new #joker movie should be how Gary Glitter ended up on the soundtrack?!?— Kevin Bradshaw (@Kev_Bradshaw_82) October 6, 2019Why is no one bringing up the fact that JOKER features Gary Glitter on its soundtrack?! Is everyone ok with it?!— Andy Lonsdale (@AndyLonsdale7) October 6, 2019I can’t believe they used a Gary Glitter song in the Joker movie.— Michael Welch (@mycoolwelchxox) October 4, 2019Hard to think of a bigger dip in soundtrack choices going from HUSTLERS to JOKER. On one hand you've got It's Britney Bitch, Fiona
Apple, Lorde, and on the other you've got convicted paedophile Gary Glitter. How did that get through the editing process?— scott aaah! wilson (@scottaawilson) October 6, 2019it's been bugging me all day since i saw joker, but trying to figure out the song that plays when he's dancing down the stairs...it's fucking gary glitter, jesus, what a poor choice— Tom 🖤 (@Fireflash0X) October 6, 2019The film was great but did anybody else find the gary glitter track when he's coming down the steps a strange choice of
music #joker#JokerFilm#WarnerBros#JoaquinPhoenix— darren sanderson (@darsan1) October 6, 2019Realising that the jail-dwelling sex offender Gary Glitter was on the #Joker soundtrack was even more shocking than watching Arthur Fleck [plot spoiler goes here] and then [another plot spoiler goes here]. #JokerMovie— Chris Miller (@MrCCMiller) October 6, 2019Finally, I think the scene where Joker dances to Gary Glitter sum up my overall feelings on Todd Phillips tackling this character. It’s just empty provocation that thinks it’s being smarter than it is. Joker is The Hangover Part 2 of comic book movies.— Andrew, only Halloweenish (@Truly_Defective) October 6, 2019I enjoyed Joker, largely due to some great cinematography and an amazing performance by Joaquin Phoenix. The most surprising/disruptive moment for me, however, was to hear a blast of Rock and Roll, Part 2, by Gary Glitter.(For anyone unfamiliar with him: https://t.co/xUXWlLOX1G)— Peter Gasston (@stopsatgreen) October 7, 2019i really don’t want to dwell on the joker movie but who fucking let him dance to gary glitter— pj (@hesitantpoppy) October 4, 2019Lolwut, Joker uses Gary Glitter in the soundtrack? Not the best music choice you could have made.— Mitch ⎊ (@Mitch692) October 5, 2019Whatever my mixed feelings about Joker, director Todd Phillips using a track by child abuser Gary Glitter over a key scene - in a film that uses child abuse as a plot device no less - is absolute bullshit— Man vs Pink (@ManVsPink) October 6, 2019However, a financial expert has suggested to Yahoo! Movies that it’s unlikely Glitter will receive huge royalties from the film, but could well earn a lump sum as part of a “synchronisation fee”.
HuffPost
UK has contacted Warner Bros, the production company behind Joker, for comment.
Joker’s violent content has already proved to be a huge talking point, with many concerned it could inspire real-life incidents.
Joaquin Phoenix rejected this suggestion during an interview with The Telegraph – even walking out when it was brought up, only to return an hour later – while Warner Bros has issued a statement insisting the lead character is not intended to be held up as a “hero”.READ MORE... Joaquin Phoenix's Joker Is A Bleak Watch – For All The Wrong Reasons Joaquin Phoenix Gets Awkward After Tense Joker Outtakes During US Talk Show Appearance Joaquin Phoenix Talks Joker Weight Loss