Mask Ban Implemented At Baltimore Theater Before 'Joker' Movie

BALTIMORE, MD — Landmark Theaters will ban moviegoers from wearing masks, painted faces or costumes to screenings of the upcoming “Joker” film. The Los Angeles-based company operates theaters across the country, including in Baltimore.

The only Landmark Theater in the region is in Baltimore at Harbor East.

The move comes in response to growing concerns about the violence depicted in the film and after worries expressed by the families of those killed in a 2012 mass shooting at a Colorado theater.

Separately, AMC Theatres issued a reminder that audience members are not allowed to wear anything that obscures their faces. Costumes are still permitted.

"Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face," AMC said in a statement. "AMC does not permit weapons or items that would make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the movie-going experience."

The chain banned masks in its theaters after the 2012 mass shooting in Colorado, which took place during an earlier Batman film.

The new "Joker" film stars Joaquin Phoenix as a failed clown who unravels into darkness and fights back against society. The movie has been criticized for glorifying mass violence, and Phoenix recently walked out of an interview after being asked whether the film could inspire real violence.

In the weeks before the film’s opening, the FBI told local law-enforcement agencies across the country to watch for troubling online posts, according to the Washington Post.

U.S. military officials also warned about possible violence at screenings after they were contacted by FBI agents who reportedly found social media posts from extremists about possible violence at theaters.

The Army released a memo about online “chatter” on the dark web of threats at a Joker screening. The memo has caused theaters to plan extra security for the film.

"Joker" is set for release Friday.

Landmark Harbor East is at 645 South President Street.

— By Gus Saltonstall and Elizabeth Janney