Gary Glitter's 'Rock and Roll Part 2' used in new Joker film

After the ‘Joker’ movie stirred the public on the pre-release, the film continued it’s path of controversy with the risky inclusion of convicted paedophile, Gary Glitter’s song, ‘Rock and Roll Part 2’ for 2 minutes of screen time.

Joker

When Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ hit the Venice Film Festival, many critics immediately criticised the film for being too violent and aired anxieties of the film appearingly glorifying mental health issues and excusing the subsequent actions of Arthur Fleck (The Joker). One critic from the New York Times referenced public concerns that the film could “stir up real-life violence”. Upon the release of the film in cinemas, Joker reiterated any feelings of inappropriateness with the use of Gary Glitter’s ‘Rock and Roll Part 2’ . Glitter is a convicted paedophile, charged with attempted rape, indecent assault, and having sex with a child (13) along with assault of 2 others; he was also found with thousands of indecent images of children on his laptop.

Understandably, the thought of the child rapists’ songs being used on any medium was off-putting for some; their argument being that Glitter could potentially receive thousands in royalties from the record-breaking box office film and that he didn’t deserve to be rewarded in any way. Another argument against the use of Glitter’s ‘Rock and Roll Part 2’ is that he shouldn’t even get the coverage or attention from the use of his song. Movie-goers on Twitter released their ever-developing opinions on the subject matter, one saying that the use of it was “absolute bullshit”.

However, when considering the context in which the song is used, both in the film and the scene it is used in, the song could be seen as quite a fitting choice. The clear controversy the film originally stirred up with it’s pre-release critiques demonstrates the level in which the film was intended to disturb and manipulate. Viewers have described how they rooted for then character despite the knowledge of the upcoming atrocities, this could be similar to that of listening to Glitter’s hit song; despite knowing it was created by a criminal, some will enjoy the song anyway. One Twitter comment mentioned how “the film’s provocations are deliberately juvenile” in that it is demonstrating the inner workings of a troubled mind. If an ‘appropriate’ song was used, it would undoubtedly be argued that it was unfitting of the tone of the film.

Joker Dance

Glitter’s record label recently came forward to the public stating that the ex-star will receive none of the royalties from the use of his song on Joker. A Snapper Music spokesperson spoke to the NME and stated that “Gadd [Gary Glitter] sold his rights to the recording and publishing of ‘Rock and Roll Part 2’, as well as a number of his other songs, over two decades ago”, meaning that the paedophile won’t see a single penny from the use or listening of any of his bought-out songs - all money will instead go to his record label, Snapper Music.

While this is great news for anyone who was disturbed by the thought of Glitter making money from the feature, some will continue to argue that it brings too much attention back to the offender. This will still be argued against by those who believe the controversial song was a fitting choice for the controversial film and an agreement between the two sides isn’t particularly likely.