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Do films like "Joker" promote or endorse gun violence?

Joaquin Pheonix in his role as the Joker

Since the release of "Joker"on October 9th, 2019, many Americans have been in fear that the sympathetic portrayal of the famous super villain may have the potential to promote violent acts in the real world.

Warner Bros Studios was motivated to boundaries when they released their film, and they absolutely did. The movie had a wide range of reviews from people either calling the movie a fantastic emotional masterpiece or an unsettling and uneasy story of violence. Some show concern about the movies violent message because "rather than highlighting America's mass shooting crisis, it simply legitimizes them." 

When asked if the movie "Joker" promoted violence,  Brook Barnes and Nicole Sperling, they responded by stating that although the movie is a cinematic masterpiece, it has caused a deep unease that has worried the population in fear that the film may provoke violent tendencies from certain individuals. (LINK TO RESPONSE: “‘Joker’ Movie Is a Risk, but a Calculated One, for Warner Bros.,”)

Movies like "Joker", although works of art, can stir the worries of Americans, especially in a time where gun violence is a major issue in America. This discussion causes us to continue to wonder:  Do movies that offer a sympathetic portrayal of villains have the potential to promote violent acts in real life?