>The script leak played a huge role in the backlash, because
>many people had been worrying since before the trailer
>dropped. Then, when it did, that poured a bit of gas on the
>fire, to be sure-- but even then, the "outrage" didn't really
>hit its stride until the first reviews started dropping.
>That's when those who may have been privately concerned
>started going public. And then when the FBI story hit, shit
>*really* took off to the next level.
>
I didn't know some of the backlash was due to a script leak. That makes sense.

>He also just needed to say the same things WB and Joaquin
>said: "depiction doesn't equal endorsement." That's it. That's
>all they've said. And that's all they needed to say. But he
>can't resist trying to fire back at those who question his
>film. Which is so fucking stupid.
>
Again, I understand being angry at backlash for a film that audiences (not critics) haven't seen yet. Especially when it's getting glowing reviews and awards. But yeah, trying to clap back instead of shrugging it off until the release date is stupid. It's almost like he anticipates shootings and is trying to defend himself from blame.

>Meanwhile, Phillips is coming out with "artists should be able
>to say what they want!" Forgetting that critics saying what
>they want is exactly what's pissing him off. All of these
>"freedom of speech" people are so fucking thoughtless, because
>they don't believe in freedom of speech-- they believe in the
>idea that they should be able to say and do whatever they want
>and get paid to do it without ramification.
>
THIS. Again, Phillips is being salty about backlash that he should have expected back when he decided to make the movie. The producer(s) that greenlit the movie should have known. The cast should have known when the read the script. And yet you're right. His "freedom of speech" stance is more like "freedom from speech".

>And ultimately, Joker is EASILY gonna cross 100 mil at the box
>office. So his protests look even *stupider.*

Also true.