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Jumat, 27 September 2019

More 'Joker' controversies: Theaters ban costumes; Aurora families concerned - Fox Business

There is nothing funny about the controversies surrounding Warner Brothers' "Joker" movie.

The $55 million film about the rise of Batman's clown-faced arch rival, is forcing Landmark Theatres, the country's largest independent cinema chain, to extending its ban on face masks and toy weapons to include movie-goers wearing any costumes during the film's theatrical run.

Since the 2012 shooting at a midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora, Colorado, most movie theaters across the country have not allowed customers or employees to wear face masks and face paint or to carry toy weapons. Body costumes, however, have generally been allowed. "The Dark Knight Rises" featured Batman squaring off against the Joker.

Families of the victims from that shooting have also been asking the Burbank-based studio to take special precautions with the release of this movie including not showing the movie at the theater where the shooting took place seven years ago.

Five families sent a letter to new Warner CEO Ann Sarnoff asking her and the studio "to be a part of the growing chorus of corporate leaders who understand that they have a social responsibility to keep us all safe."

That letter asked for parent company AT&T to cease donating to politicians who take money from the National Rifle Association and for Warner to make donations to groups that aid victims of gun violence. The response outraged those who sent the letter.

“Together with other survivors of the 2012 Aurora shooting, we wrote @warnerbros to express the grief and concern stirred up by their new Joker film. Quite frankly, we found their response lacking,” tweeted Sandy Phillips whose daughter was killed in the mass shooting.

The studio response: “Gun violence in our society is a critical issue, and we extend our deepest sympathy to all victims and families impacted by these tragedies,” Warner Bros. said adding, "Our company has a long history of donating to victims of violence, including Aurora, and in recent weeks, our parent company joined other business leaders to call on policymakers to enact bipartisan legislation to address this epidemic."

In 2012, Warner Bros. donated $1 million-plus to the charities supporting victims of the Aurora shooting.

Cinemark, which owns the Century Aurora Theater where the mass shooting occurred., reportedly has no plans to show "Joker."

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix in a scene from "Joker," in theaters on Oct. 4. Alarmed by violence depicted in a trailer for the upcoming movie “Joker,” some relatives of victims of the 2012 Aurora movie theater sh

Still, the movie has raised concerns. Earlier this week the military newspaper "Stars and Stripes" reported that military commanders in Oklahoma were warned of the potential threat of violence at the theatrical release of the upcoming “Joker” movie, though law enforcement officials are not sure which theaters may be affected.

The paper wrote that an Army Criminal Investigation Command memo alerted commanders at Fort Sill, Okla., about an intelligence bulletin that said a Texas law enforcement agency working with the FBI had discovered “disturbing and very specific chatter in the dark web” about the possible targeting of an unknown theater for a mass shooting during the Oct. 4 release.

Sandy Phillips also said she requested a meeting with studio officials -- including Dee Dee Myers, the former press secretary for former President Bill Clinton, but was rebuffed.

Even among the families from Aurora though, there is a divide on the actions by Warner Brothers regarding this film and their concerns. “I know that for Sandy Phillips, the Warner Brothers response wasn’t enough, but for me it was,” Tina Coon whose son survived the Aurora shooting told FOX Business. “I think they offered a really nice statement, so for me, I am satisfied. But I know that the Phillips aren’t.”

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The R-rated movie is expected to bring in $80 million at the box office opening weekend and for the families of the Aurora shootings will only heighten their pain. "My son Tanner was inside the theater during the shooting and he has PTSD to this day," said Coon, “It is also important for people to know that some survivors of mass shooting traumas are still suffering, and can be triggered by a movie such as this.”

"The Dark Knight Rises" featured the late Heath Ledger in the role of the Joker for which he won an Oscar. This new film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill comedian and clown in the new movie. His character struggles to fit into society and devolves into a villain through the course of the film.

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Regarding the rising controversy around the film, “Joker” director Todd Phillips (no relation to Sandy) has told critics and those concerned via an interview with IGN that people should watch the movie before passing judgment. “The movie makes statements about a lack of love, childhood trauma, lack of compassion in the world.," said Phillips, "I think people can handle that message.”

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https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/warner-bros-response-joker-movie-controversy-outraged

2019-09-27 09:08:28Z
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‘Joker’: LAPD Says “No Credible Threats”; Exhibitors Remain Vigilant As Theatrical Release Nears - Deadline

In the wake of several mass shootings in Gilroy, CA; Dayton, OH, and El Paso, Texas, there’s plenty of concern surrounding the opening of Warner Bros.’ The Joker on Oct. 4, particularly as it’s poised to bring in a record amount of moviegoers for an October release.

Some sources in distribution and exhibition believe these fears are over-heightened, especially with the LAPD issuing a statement tonight that they don’t see any credible threats in the Los Angeles area from the pic’s opening. Industry sources also tell us that the FBI and Homeland Security do not foresee any looming threats currently for the Todd Phillips-directed DC origin movie about the crazed Batman villain.

Said the LAPD tonight in a statement received by Deadline, “The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of public concerns and the historical significance associated with the premiere of the Joker. While there are no credible threats in the Los Angeles area, the Department will maintain high visibility around movie theaters when it opens. We encourage everyone to go out and enjoy all of the weekend leisure activities this city has to offer however, Angelenos should remain vigilant and always be aware of your surroundings. As always if you see something, say something.”

We also hear that the National Association of Theatre Owners also hasn’t been alerted by the FBI or other law enforcement of any threats surrounding Joker. If such intel was received, NATO would pass any relevant information along to their members so that they can make their own security decisions.

However, two days ago, Stars & Stripes published a report that an Army Criminal Investigation Command memo was issued Monday and put commanders at Fort Sill, OK, ., on notice about an intelligence bulletin that read a Texas law enforcement agency working with the FBI had discovered “disturbing and very specific chatter in the dark web” regarding the the potential targeting of an unknown theater for a mass shooting during the weekend of Joker‘s release.

That said, exhibition isn’t being irresponsible, and exhibitors do not detail their specific security plans to the press. Warner Bros. has had the unfortunate and horrible experience of having gone through a mass shooting tragedy with The Dark Knight Rises 2012 Aurora, Colorado shooting. They know what type of film they have on their hands with Joker. Movie theaters in certain neighborhoods are very aware of the type of film they’re booking, and that masses descend upon their theaters. Security sources have informed Deadline that security always gets beefed up at high-volume theaters during any big box office weekend, especially around the holidays. It doesn’t take a Joker movie to simply put everyone on high-alert. Note that Dark Knight Rises previews began at midnight, which was when the tragedy occurred, and since then with the exception of Sony’s Spider-Man: Far From Home recently, major studios have largely eliminated opening their films at midnight Thursday into Friday. Joker will begin its previews Oct. 3 at 4PM.

During Star Wars: The Force Awakens, security was increased in downton LA multiplexes from 3-4 guards to 9-12 on average per sources at the time. Expect that type of responsibility here with Joker. In regards to whether Warners foots the bill for extra security or not, that’s always on an exhibitor by exhibitor case basis. For Straight Outta Compton, Universal said they were “partnering” with movie theaters that requested support during screenings of the NWA biopic. Specific details were scant at the time, but it wasn’t a straight matter of the studio outright reimbursing theaters for any costs associated with heightened security, rather the studio sharing some of the costs.

AMC theaters issued a statement yesterday assuring their customers that they plan to be vigilant and enforce their costume policy which forbids masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face.

Said the No. theater chain in a statement, “The safety of our guests and associates is AMC’s top priority. Working with law enforcement, AMC has a number of safety and security protocols in place at all of its theatres. To help ensure that safety, we do not discuss specifics. Because we’re also getting calls about our costume policy, I want to make sure it’s clear that this is AMC’s standard costume policy, which has been in place for several years and applies to all movies at all times: Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face. AMC does not permit weapons or items that would make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the movie-going experience.”

Landmark is banning toy weapons and masks, while Regal, like AMC, says it’s in contact with law enforcement and do not comment on their security protocol.

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https://deadline.com/2019/09/joker-security-threats-lapd-fbi-homeland-security-1202746185/

2019-09-27 03:34:00Z
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Kamis, 26 September 2019

Princess Beatrice engaged to property tycoon - BBC News

Princess Beatrice is engaged to her boyfriend Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, her parents have announced.

The 31-year-old daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, got engaged to the 34-year-old property tycoon in Italy earlier this month.

The princess, who is ninth in line to the throne, will marry Mr Mapelli Mozzi next year.

"We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together," the pair said in a statement.

"We share so many similar interests and values, and we know that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness," they added.

Beatrice said on Twitter she was "so excited" by the announcement.

The Duke and Duchess of York said: "We are thrilled that Beatrice and Edoardo have got engaged, having watched their relationship develop with pride."

"We are the lucky parents of a wonderful daughter who has found her love and companion in a completely devoted friend and loyal young man. We send them every good wish for a wonderful family future," they added.

"I know what a mother feels so I have tears of joy," the duchess added on Twitter.

"I am so proud of this sensational news," she said.

"Andrew and I are just the luckiest people ever to have two great sons in law."

Mr Mapelli's parents, Nikki Williams-Ellis and Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, said they were "truly delighted" by the engagement.

"Our family has known Beatrice for most of her life. Edo and Beatrice are made for each other, and their happiness and love for each other is there for all to see," they said.

"They share an incredibly strong and united bond, their marriage will only strengthen what is already a wonderful relationship."

The BBC's royal correspondent, Jonny Dymond, said he believed the pair had been together for about two years - and that they have only been seen together in public a handful of times. He said things have "moved pretty quickly".

He said Mr Mapelli Mozzi is a wealthy businessman who has a two-year-old son from a previous relationship.

Mr Mapelli Mozzi is the director of Banda, a property development firm, according to Companies House.

'Meant to be'

Beatrice's sister, Princess Eugenie, married her long-term partner Jack Brooksbank at Windsor Castle in October 2018.

"I'm so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo," Princess Eugenie said in an Instagram post congratulating the pair.

"It's been a long time coming and you two are meant to be," she added.

Beatrice is the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's granddaughter, and a cousin of the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex.

Her parents, the Duke and Duchess of York, divorced in 1996. The duke, Prince Andrew, is the third child of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

In addition to his royal engagements, Andrew served as a special trade representative for the government until 2011, when his links to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein forced him to step down.

Since their separation the duchess has been involved in various charitable projects, appeared on British and American TV and published several children's books.

Further details of Beatrice's wedding will be announced in due course, her parents said.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-49839390

2019-09-26 12:32:43Z
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