The set of stairs featured in this month's blockbuster hit Joker has become a tourist attraction in recent weeks, and it's angering those who live nearby them in the Bronx. It was previously reported that fans have been flocking to the Joker movie stairs, which connect Shakespeare and Anderson Avenues in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx, in order to emulate Joaquin Phoenix's now iconic dance from the film. Fans have posed on the steps and shared pictures on social media, making it an Internet phenomenon.
Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, shattered expectations when it debuted to $96.2 million on its opening weekend and became the biggest October opening of all time. It currently stands at $253.8 million domestically and $745.1 million worldwide, making Joker a huge financial success. The gritty and controversial film stars Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, the aspiring comedian who would go on to become the Joker after being disregarded and abused by society. It has been a hit with audiences, though its critical praise has lessened over time. However, Phoenix is considered one of the frontrunners in this year's Best Leading Actor race.
Recently, Gothamist shed some light on the Bronx residents' disdain with the new tourist attraction. Many people feel "disrespected" by the constant influx of people using the stairs and are irritated with showing up in other people's pictures. They have also stated they have trouble using the stairs to get to work, with many just refusing to try. Residents have posted signs saying it is disrespectful to use their community as a photo op, but fans have largely ignored those.
People who simply wish to use the stairs for normal purposes have found their way blocked by fans posing in the middle for endless pictures. Some residents expressed hope that those coming in for pictures would then spend money in the community and contribute to local business, but that does not seem to be the case, with many stopping by long enough for some pictures and nothing else. Others hope that the rise of attention for these stairs will spur efforts to clean them up.
With a matter such as this, both sides have clear points. It can be thrilling to see fans express such passion for a film, and it is natural for them to want to be right where it happened. However, the residents of the area also deserve to have their home be respected, and it does not sound like fans are doing that. This is something that impacts people's everyday lives; it is understandable that they would get frustrated. Morning commutes are hard enough as it is without numerous tourists clogging up the path. Perhaps a solution could be found that both groups would find acceptable, but until that happens, frustration is bound to rise. Joker continues to do big business at the box office, suggesting this trend may be far from over.
Source: Gothamist
